Natural Products and Resources Repository ... - CSIR-NISCAIR

Natural Productsand Resources

Repository


Repository


Repository


Repository

Nat Prod Resour ReposJULY 2011

Volume 2 No. 3 pp. [email protected]

National Institute of Science Communication And Information ResourcesCSIR, New Delhi, INDIA

Website:http://www.niscair.res.in

A Ouarterly Electronic Repository of Current Information onNatural Products and Resources

NAT PROD RESOUR REPOS, VOL. 2, NO. 3, 2011

From the Director’s Desk

India is one of the richest and most diversified countries as far as biodiversity, natural products

and resources are concerned. Dissemination of information on various topics related to these subjects

has acquired unprecedented prominence in the last two decades as every field, be it science, technology

or engineering, look to natural resources as a safe source, both environmentally as well as

technologically.

The National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources (NISCAIR), is a

constituent establishment of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi which

houses globally renowned publications such as, The Wealth of India–An Encyclopaedia of Indian Raw

Materials, 17 scholarly research journals and 2 abstracting journals, viz. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Abstracts (MAPA) and Indian Science Abstracts (ISA). Since, MAPA and ISA have vast coverage on

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and all science subjects, respectively, we have now decided to extend

our services on all plant and animals based natural products in faster mode i.e. electronically. With

immense pleasure we announce launching of Natural Products and Resources Repository (NPARR)

with open access to adequately fulfill the information needs of teachers, scientists, scholars and

entrepreneurs for research and commercial products development from natural resources. Another

feature of this repository is that authors can be users and contributors to this repository at the same time

by sending soft copies of abstracts of their published papers with full citation and address of

corresponding authors and information on technologies/know-how developed at their

institute/university for placing under respective group of products/technologies. I trust that this

collection will also help researchers in searching core and non-core journals on specified products.

I welcome all experienced authors, editors and publishers of national and international journals

for their creative cooperation and enthusiastic involvement in this new endeavor. The NPARR allows

free access to its contents and hence will enhance citation/visibility of papers/ technological know-how

included in this repository. We look forward to provide you a comprehensive collection of quality

information on natural products in coming years.

Gangan Prathap


NATURAL PRODUCTS AND RESOURCES REPOSITORY

(NPARR) (A Quarterly Electronic Repository of Current Information on Natural Products and

Resources)

This repository is produced by systematic survey of research and review papers published in

primary journals and providing abstracts/summaries and bibliographic details of applied research. It is

covering information on all aspects of natural products and resources of plants and animals. The

abstracts are presented in various categories viz. Beverages, Cosmetics, Dyes, Essential oils, Fats/Oils,

Feed/Fodder, Fibre, Flavour/Fragrance, Food, Fruits, Fuel, Gum/Rubber, Insecticides

/Fungicides/Nematicides, Oils/Fats, Poultry, Pulp/Paper, Spices/Condiments, Therapeutics, Vegetables,

Wood, etc. Title, journal, author(s), address of corresponding author (Asterisk marked) of the original

paper are provided for scientific reference and citation. NPARR inserts new products and technologies

developed forthcoming conferences or educational event, book reviews, projects completed and theses

awarded.

Compilation/Editor: Dr (Mrs) Sunita Garg

Director

Dr Gangan Prathap

(ex-officio)

National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), CSIR

Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi-110012, INDIA

Phone: 91-011-25846301 ext 258, 25846001; Fax: 91-011 2584 7062

Website; http://nopr.niscair.res.in E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

The information on this site is intended for educational purposes and societal benefit and is

available free of cost. It is a compilation from research journals and it is not a substitute for the advice

of a qualified professional. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India does not endorse

nor does it verify the content or claims made. Editor does not accept responsibility for the

consequences of the use of the information. Every effort is made to present the information accurately;

however, we assume no liability for any errors and omissions.

Information for Readers

We encourage readers to sign up for the publishing notification service for this repository. Use

the Register link and register yourself. It will result in the readers receiving the E-mail alert for each

new issue. This list also allows the NPARR to claim a certain level of support or readership. The

Privacy Statement assures readers that their name and E-mail address will not be used for other

purposes.


For including in respective categories, we would like to ask you to contribute soft copies of: (i)

Abstract of your excellent papers published during the last one year or current year in any journal; (ii)

New technologies/ Know-how Developed at your Institute or University; (iii) Books for review or book

reviews for publication; (iv) Forthcoming events and Theses awarded in recent past. We certainly hope

that more ground will be covered in future issues. The librarians are requested to list NPARR among

their library's electronic journal holdings. You may send your above contributions to Dr (Mrs) Sunita

Garg, on E-mail Id: [email protected]; [email protected]


NATURAL PRODUCTS AND RESOURCES

REPOSITORY (NPARR) (A Quarterly Electronic Repository of Current Information on Natural Products and Resources)

C O N T E N T S Volume 2, No. 3 July 2011

Products Beverages 124

Cosmeceuticals 126

Dyes 127

Essential oils 129

Feed/Fodder 132

Fibres 135

Food 137

Fruits 139

Fuel 141

Gums/Rubber 144

Insecticides 146

Oils/Fats 149

Phytochemicals 152

Spices/Condiments 154

Sugars 156

Therapeutics 158

Vegetables 161

Wood 163

Others Cultivation 164

Analytical Methods 166

Postharvest Technology 168

Forthcoming events 169

Announcements 170

NATURAL PRODUCTS AND RESOURCES REPOSITORY (NPARR)

BEVERAGES (incl. Juices, Tea /Coffee,

Yoghurt and other natural soft drinks)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0262, Comparison of wines from

grape and a mix of beetroot and carrot

Wine is one of the oldest forms of alcoholic

beverages and can impart benefits to human beings.

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) and carrot (Daucus carota

L.) are rich in betalain and carotene. These vegetables

have medicinal and nutritive properties. Yeast

(Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1) was used to

prepare wine from beetroot and carrot and its quality

was compared to grape wine. The vegetable wine was

reddish-brown in color, slightly acidic (titratable

acidity=1.0 ± 0.02 g tartaric acid/100 mL), sweet (3.1

± 0.07 g of reducing sugar/100 mL), and with an

alcohol content of 10.6 ± 0.8%. No major differences

in biochemical aspects of the wine were found.

Organoleptic analysis indicated that the vegetable

wine was preferred over the grape wine for taste and

color/appearance. The taste was a significant criteria

(χ2 =36.46; P < 0.01) in selection of the wine

[Kempraj V* and Dasgupta D. (Department of

Biochemistry, The Institute of Science, #15, Madame

Cama Road, Mumbai 400 032, India), International

Journal of Vegetable Science 2011, 17(2), 171-176].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0263, Antioxidant compounds

from a South Asian beverage and medicinal plant,

Cassia auriculata

Cassia auriculata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) is a

common South Asian beverage and medicinal plant

widely used in tradition medicine for treating diabetes

and various other disease conditions. The alcoholic

extract of the aerial part of C. auriculata displayed

potent antioxidant activity when assessed by DPPH

radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and reducing

power analysis. Fractionation of the crude extract

using solvents of ascending polarity showed that the

ethyl acetate fraction is the most active followed by

the chloroform fraction while the petroleum ether, n-

butanol and water fractions were less active than the

crude extract. Further activity-guided fractionation

studies on the active fractions resulted in the isolation

of the major antioxidant constituent kaempferol-3-O-

rutinoside together with kaempferol, quercetin and

luteolin. The identity of the compounds was

established based on extensive spectroscopic studies

including 2D NMR [Juan-Badaturuge, M.

Habtemariam, S.* and Thomas, M.J.K.

(Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories, Medway

School of Science, The University of Greenwich,

Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB,

United Kingdom), Food Chemistry, 2011, 125(1),

221-225].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0264, Popular fermented foods

and beverages in Southeast Asia

Fermented foods are prevalent in Southeast Asia

to balance the fluctuation in food availability in the

area during the stage of monsoonal circulation.

Techniques of preserving cereal and seafood products

are well-developed in Southeast Asia. The review

concerning the indigenous carbohydrate-based

fermented foods the region, including rice wine,

fermented palm sap and tapai. The paper focuses on

the popular indigenous fermented foods and

beverages produced in the region including the

consumption and processing methods.

Microbiological and chemical properties of these

indigenous fermented foods were also discussed.

Another issue is in the alcohol-related health risk due

to the consumption of the foods and beverages with

high alcohol content. Hence, ethanol and other

alcohol-related compounds present in the selected

alcoholic fermented foods will be highlight [Law,

S.V., Abu Bakar, F.*, Mat Hashim, D. and Abdul

Hamid, A, (Department of Food Science, Faculty of

Food Science and Technology, University Putra

Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia), International

Food Research, Journal, 2011, 18(2), 475-484].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0265, Biological activity and

chemical composition of different berry juices

Total phenolics, total anthocyanins, mineral

content, radical scavenging activity and

antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell

BEVERAGES

125

lines were evaluated in fresh pressed juices of five

different berries. Total phenolic content ranged from

133.0 to 260.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g of

fresh weight, for red currant and black currant,

respectively. Bilberry juice contained the highest

amount of total anthocyanins (0.18%). Significant

correlation between total phenolics content and

radical scavenging activity was observed (r = −0.980;

p < 0.01). All examined juices showed

antiproliferative activity in dose-dependent manner

with IC50 ranging from 10.2 to 70.5 µl/ml. Black

currant juice was the most effective inhibitor of

proliferation in all cell lines tested (HeLa, Fem X, LS

174, MCF-7 and PC-3). Significant correlations of

acidity and total anthocyanin content with

antiproliferative activity of berry juices on HeLa cells,

Fem X cells and MCF-7 cells were noticed. Berry

juices are good sources of some minerals and

contribute significantly to daily intake of these

micronutrients[Aleksandra Konić-Ristić, Katarina

Šavikin*, Gordana Zdunić, Teodora Janković, Zorica

Juranic, Nebojša Menković and Ivan Stanković

(Institute for Medicinal Plants Research, Tadeuša

Košćuška 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia), Food

Chemistry, 2011, 125(4), 1412-1417].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0266, Novel decaffeination of

green tea using a special picking method and

shortening of the rolling process

Manufacturing of low-caffeine tea (LCT) by

employing a special picking method in the 3rd leaf

period and shortening the leaf-rolling process has

recently been done. In the present study, the effect of

this special method on the content of other

physiologically active substances, such as catechins,

theanine, and vitamin C, as well as the mechanism of

reduction of caffeine content in the LCT were

investigated using capillary electrophoresis. By

comparing the various components of tea leaves at

different picking periods with or without shortening

of the rolling process, it was found that the delayed

leaf picking period and shortening of the rolling

process used in the manufacture of LCT selectively

reduced the caffeine content while retaining catechins,

theanine, and vitamin C at a sufficient level.

Therefore, our study demonstrated that this modified

method may be useful in the manufacture of

decaffeinated green tea [ Atsuo Miyagishima*,

Sadahiro Fujiki, Aya Okimura, Sakae Arahata,

Shinsuke Inagaki, Yasunori Iwao and Shigeru Itai

(Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School

of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka,

52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan),

Food Chemistry, 2011, 125(3), 878-883].


126

COSMECEUTICALS

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0267, Biological activities and

potential cosmeceutical applications of bioactive

components from brown seaweeds: a review

Seaweeds are the primary producers of all

aquatic ecosystems. Chemical constituents isolated

from diverse classes of seaweeds exert a wide range

of nutritional, functional and biological activities.

Unique metabolites of seaweeds possess specific

biological properties that make them potential

ingredients of many industrial applications such as

functional foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Cosmeceuticals of natural origin are becoming more

popular than synthetic cosmetics. Hence, the

investigation of new seaweeds derived functional

components, a different source of natural products,

has proven to be a promising area of cosmeceutical

studies. Brown seaweeds also produce a range of

active components including unique secondary

metabolites such as phlorotannins and many of which

have specific biological activities that give

possibilities for their economic utilization. Brown

seaweeds derived active compounds have been shown

various functional properties including, antioxidant,

anti-wrinkling, whitening, anti-inflammatory and

antiallergy. It is well-known that these kind of

biological effects are closely associated with

cosmeceutical preparations. This communication

reviews the current knowledge on brown seaweeds

derived metabolites with various biological activities

and the potential use as cosmeceutical ingredients. It

is hoped that the reviewed literature on

multifunctional properties of brown seaweeds will

improve access to the seaweed based natural products

specially the ability to incorporate these functional

properties in cosmeceutical applications [Wijesinghe

WAJP and Jeon You-Jin (School of Marine

Biomedical Science, Jeju National Univ., Korea),

Phytochemistry Reviews, 2011, 10(3), 431-443].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0268, Propolis as potential

cosmeceutical sunscreen agent for its combined

photoprotective and antioxidant properties

Propolis, bee glue, and its main polyphenolic

components show high antioxidant activity as found

measuring their inhibitory action on lipid peroxidation

of linoleic acid (LA) in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)

micelles. Furthermore, these substances evidence

effectiveness as broad spectrum UVB and UVA

photoprotection sunscreens, as it results by

measurements of sun protection factor (SPF), the

universal indicator related primarily to UVB

radiations, and of the two parameters giving an

indication of the UVA absorbance properties, i.e.

UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength. The

combination of these characteristics moves up

propolis and its main polyphenolic components to the

class of cosmeceuticals, as possible active ingredient

of sunscreen commercial formulations for their

protective and preventive properties [Gregoris E,

Fabris S, Bertelle M, Grassato L, Stevanato R*

(Department of Physical Chemistry, University Ca'

Foscari of Venice, Dorsoduro 2137, 30123 Venice,

Italy), International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2011,

405(1-2), 97-101].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0269, Cosmeceuticals-a review

Cosmeceuticals are used for nourishing as well

as improving the appearance of the skin, and are also

documented as effective agents for treating various

dermatologic conditions. Cosmeceutical preparations

from herbal origin are most popular among

consumers, as these agents are mostly non-toxic and

possess strong antioxidant activity. Since oxidative

stress is one of the major mechanisms for skin aging

and dermatological conditions, the phytochemicals,

such as silibinin, with proven antioxidant activity,

could be useful for treating many dermatologic

conditions as well as skin aging. Silibinin is a

flavonolignan compound from milk thistle plant

which possesses strong antioxidant activity and also

modulates many molecular changes, caused by

xenobiotics and ultraviolet radiation, to protect the

skin [Chaudhari PM*, Kawade PV and Funne SM

(Padm Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Pharmacy, Akurdi,

Pune-411044, India), International Journal of

Pharmacy and Technology,

2011, 3(1), 774-798].

DYES

127

DYES (incl. Food colorants)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0270, Mordanting effect on

properties of Mulberry silk dyed with selected

natural dyes

Mordants are found to be of help to produce

different ranges of colour while using single vegetable

colourants which otherwise have poor affinity

towards textile. Present study establishes the effect of

different mordants on colour uptake, colour value and

fastness properties of silk fabric dyed with vegetable

dyestuffs like arjun bark, turmeric, palas flower and

tea extract as well as optimization of mordant

concentration [Munshi, R.*, Padaki, N.V.,

Chattopadhyay, D., Mishra, S.N. (Regional Silk

Technological Research Station, Central Silk Board,

Guwahati, India), Indian Silk, 2011, 49(12), 26-29].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0271, Irradiated beetroot

extract as a colorant for cream cheese

A Brazilian ham-flavored cream cheese was

developed using gamma-irradiated beetroot extract as

the colorant. An irradiation dose of 5.0 kGy was used

based on previous studies that indicated no growth of

moulds, yeasts and aerobic psychotropic

microorganisms during 12 days at 5. °C, and with no

changes in the structure of the pigment. One part of

the cheese was colored with the irradiated beetroot

extract and the other part with carmine cochineal,

which is a natural stable colorant but expensive and

difficult to extract. Both portions were submitted to

sensory evaluation with 67 panelists. No significant

differences were found in flavor and overall

appearance. The cream cheese containing carmine

cochineal was slightly preferred in regards to color.

However, being a new product, these results were

encouraging and point towards the potential use of

irradiated beetroot extract as a natural food colorant

[Junqueira-Goncalves, M.P. , Cardoso, L.P., Pinto,

M.S., Pereira, R.M., Soares, N.F., Miltz, J,

(Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Department of

Food Science and Technology, Ecuador 3769,

Santiago, Chile), Radiation Physics and Chemistry,

2011, 80(1), 114-118 ].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0272, Fungal polyketide

azaphilone pigments as future natural food

colorants?

The recent approval of fungal carotenoids as

food colorants by the European Union has

strengthened the prospects for fungal cell factories for

the production of polyketide pigments. Fungal

production of colorants has the main advantage of

making the manufacturer independent of the seasonal

supply of raw materials, thus minimizing batch-to-

batch variations. Here, we review the potential of

polyketide pigments produced from

chemotaxonomically selected non-toxigenic fungal

strains (e.g. Penicillium and Epicoccum spp.) to serve

as food colorants. The production of polyketide

azaphilone pigments from such potentially safe hosts

is advantageous over traditional processes that

involve Monascus spp., which risks co-production of

the mycotoxin citrinin. Thus, there is tremendous

potential for the development of robust fungal

production systems for polyketide pigments, both to

tailor functionality and to expand the color palette of

contemporary natural food colorants [Mapari, S.A.S. ,

Thrane, U. and Meyer, A.S. (Center for Microbial

Biotechnology, Department of Systems Biology,

Technical University of Denmark, Building 221, DK-

2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark), Trends in

Biotechnology, 2010, 28(6), 300-307].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0273, Modeling of adsorption

isotherms and kinetics of reactive dye from

aqueous solution by peanut hull

Adsorption of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) in

aqueous solution by peanut hull was studied by using

Placket–Burman (PB) and Central Composite Design

(CCD). Four out of the 7 factors (initial dye

concentration, initial solution pH, amount of

adsorbent, temperature, particle size, shaking speed

and contact time) studied by PB design influenced the

adsorption of dye. A CCD was used to develop

mathematical model equation. Analysis of variance

(ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination

value (R2 = 0.95). Linear and quadratic effects of the

initial dye concentration and linear effect of peanut

hull quantity were demonstrated to be very significant

(P < 0.05) for RB5 adsorption. The interaction

between peanut hull dose and initial dye concentration

showed remarkable effect on adsorption process. The

equilibrium adsorption data of RB5 on peanut hull

were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich models.


128

The monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) increased

from 50 to 55.55 mg/g with the increase in

temperature from 20 °C to 60 °C. The kinetic data

were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order and

pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic models.

According to these models, the rate constants were

calculated for different initial dye concentrations. It

can be concluded that the experimental data are well

defined with pseudo-second-order kinetic model [M.

Şaban Tanyildizi* (Department of chemical

Engineering, Fırat University, 23100 Elazığ, Turkey),

Chemical Engineering Journal, 2011, 168(3), 1234-

1240].

ESSENTIAL OILS

129

ESSENTIAL OILS (incl. Flavour and

Fragrance)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0274, Application of lavandula

officinalis l. antioxidant of essential oils in shelf life

of confectionary

Chemically synthesized compounds such as

butylated hydroxy-anisole (BHA) and butylated

hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used as antioxidants in

food products. The safety of some of these

compounds have been a great concern. So, there is a

great interest in finding antioxidants from natural

sources for food. Lipids, known as Lavandula

officinalis L. in this work, harvested in the north of

Iran was distilled in a Clevenger apparatus to obtain

essential oil, which was analyzed by gas

chromatography (GC) and GC-mass

spetrophotometry (MS). Antioxidant activity of

essential oil was evaluated by peroxide value, iodine

value and conjugated dienes. Also, the influence of

this antioxidant on the shelf life of the confection's

type was investigated. As a result, 1,8-cineole and

borneol were the most used components in the

chemical analysis of essential oils. Free fatty acid

from the 1st to 9th week was increased significantly

and as such, peroxide value increased directly with

storage time. Variation of both synthetic and natural

antioxidant in the aspect of iodine values was reduced

slowly. However, conjugated dienes changes in oil

sample containing essential oil and the BHA still

remains the same [Meftahizade, H.* Moradkhani, H.,

Barjin, A.F., Naseri, B.(ACECR Medicinal Plants

Center, Ilam, Iran), African Journal of Biotechnology,

2011, 10(2), 196-200].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0275, Chemical composition,

cytotoxicity effect and antimicrobial activity of

Ceratonia siliqua essential oil with preservative

effects against Listeria inoculated in minced beef

meat

The present study describes the phytochemical

profile and the protective effects of Ceratonia siliqua

pods essential oil (CsEO), a food and medicinal plant

widely distributed in Tunisia. Twenty five different

components were identified in the CsEO. Among

them, the major detected components were:

Nonadecane, Heneicosane, Naphthalene, 1, 2-

Benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutylester, Heptadecane,

Hexadecanoic acid, Octadecanoic acid, 1,2-

Benzenedicarboxylic acid, Phenyl ethyl tiglate,

Eicosene, Farnesol 3, Camphor, Nerolidol and n-

Eicosane. The antimicrobial activity of CsEO was

evaluated against a panel of 13 bacteria and 8 fungal

strains using agar diffusion and broth microdilution

methods. Results have shown that CsEO exhibited

moderate to strong antimicrobial activity against the

tested species. In addition, the inhibitory effect of this

CsEO was evaluated in vivo against a foodborne

pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, experimentally

inoculated in minced beef meat (2×102 CFU/g of

meat) amended with different concentrations of the

CsEO and stored at 7°C for 10days. The antibacterial

activity of CsEO in minced beef meat was clearly

evident and its presence led to a strong inhibitory

effect against the pathogens at 7°C. On the other

hand, the cytotoxic effects of the essential oil against

two tumoral human cell lines HeLa and MCF-7 were

examined by MTT assay. The CsEO showed an

inhibition of both cell lines with significantly stronger

activity against HeLa cells. The IC50 values were 210

and 800µg/ml for HeLa and MCF-7 cells,

respectively. Overall, results presented here suggest

that the EO of C. siliqua possesses antimicrobial and

cytotoxic properties, and is therefore a potential

source of active ingredients for food and

pharmaceutical industry [Hsouna, A.B., Trigui, M.,

Mansour, R.B., Jarraya, R.M., Damak, M., Jaoua, S.*

(Qatar University, College of Arts and Sciences, P.O.

Box., 2713 Doha, Qatar), International Journal of

Food Microbiology, 2011, 148(1), 66-72].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0276, Essential oil composition

and antibacterial activity of the grapefruit (Citrus

paradisi Linn.) peel essential oils obtained by

solvent-free microwave extraction: Comparison

with hydrodistillation

The chemical composition of the essential oil

(EO) obtained by solvent-free microwave extraction

(SFME) and hydrodistillation (HD) from the peel of

grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi. L) was analysed by gas

chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Totally, twenty-five components were identified in

the EO. Limonene was observed as dominant (91.5-

88.6%) for two extraction methods, SFME and HD,

respectively. β-Pinene (0.8-1.2%), linalool (1.1-

0.7%), α-terpinene (0.7-1.0%) and the other minor


130

components were also detected. Disc diffusion

method was applied to determine the antibacterial

properties of the EO. The results showed that the EO

of grapefruit peel had a wide spectrum of

antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus

aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus

epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella

typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Proteus

vulgaris, with their inhibition zones ranging from 11

to 53mm [ Uysal, B., Sozmen, F., Aktas, O., Oksal,

B.S. Kose, E.O. (Department of Chemistry, Akdeniz

University, 07058 Antalya, Turkey) International

Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2011,

46(7), 1455-1461].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0277, Antioxidant activity of

Citrus limon essential oil in mouse hippocampus

Citrus limon (L.) Burms (Rutaceae) has been

shown in previous studies to have various biological

functions (anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral,

antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic). However,

traditional uses in folk medicine suggest that C. limon

may have an effect on the central nervous system

(CNS). Objective: This study investigated the effects

of C. limon essential oil (EO) on lipid peroxidation

level, nitrite content, glutathione reduced (GSH)

concentration, and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide

dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione

peroxidase (GPx)] activities in mice hippocampus.

Materials and methods: Swiss mice were treated with

the suspension of 0.5% Tween 80, in distilled water

used as vehicle (i.p., control group) and with EO in

three different doses (0.05, 0.1, or 0.15 g/kg, i.p., EO

50, EO 100, and EO 150 groups, respectively). After

the treatments, all groups were observed for 24 h. The

enzyme activities as well as the lipid peroxidation,

nitrite, and GSH concentrations in mice hippocampus

were measured using spectrophotometric methods and

the results were compared with values obtained from

control group. Results: EO of C. limon treatment

significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation level and

nitrite content but increased the GSH levels and the

SOD, catalase, and GPx activities in mice

hippocampus. Discussion and conclusion: Our

findings strongly support the hypothesis that oxidative

stress in hippocampus can occur during

neurodegenerative diseases, proving that hippocampal

damage induced by the oxidative process plays a

crucial role in brain disorders, and also imply that a

strong protective effect could be achieved using EO

of C. limon as an antioxidant [Lopes Campělo, L.M,

Moura Gonçcalves, F.C., Feitosa, C.M., De Freitas,

R.M (Laboratory of Research in Experimental

Neurochemistry, Federal University of Piaui,

Teresina, Piaui, Brazil), Pharmaceutical Biology,

2011, 49(7), 709-715

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0278, The effects of laurel

(Laurus nobilis L.) on development of two

mycorrhizal fungi

Hundreds of aromatic plant species are growing

naturally around Mediterranean. Plant essential oils

are incorporated in aromatic plant material and follow

the litter fall. During litter degradation, the presence

of essential oils can affect soil microorganisms.

Mycorrhizal fungi have never been investigated so far

under the presence of volatile oils. The aim of this

study was to explore the effect of aromatic Laurus

nobilis L. on development of two mycorrhizal species

Glomus deserticola and Glomus intraradices. The

response of fungi colonization and host growth were

monitored under different concentrations of L. nobilis

leaves and essential oil. The major compounds of L.

nobilis essential oil were 1,8-cineole (49.6%),

sabinene (7.8%), α-pinene (6.0%), eugenole (5.6%),

α-terpinyl acetate (5.2%) and β-pinene (5.1%). Both

mycorrhizal fungi colonized successfully the host

plants whose growth was positively influenced by

mycorrhizal fungi. G. deserticola presented higher

infection level than G. intraradices. The addition of L.

nobilis leaves in the soil resulted in mycorrhiza

inhibition. The level of inhibition was positively

correlated with the added amount of aromatic leaves

in the soil. The essential oil presented a little higher

inhibition than the leaves. The presence of this

aromatic plant in many different ecosystems could

contribute in mycorrhiza inhibition and it is

suggested, when it's possible, reduction of laurel litter

before reforestation programs [Hassiotis, C.N.*, Dina,

E.I. (Technical University of Larissa, Department

Natural Environment and Forestry, 43100 Karditsa,

Greece), International Biodeterioration and

Biodegradation, 2011, 65(4), 628-634].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0279, Use of terpenoids as

natural flavouring compounds in food industry.

Terpenoids represent the oldest known

ESSENTIAL OILS

131

biomolecules, having been recovered from sediments

as old as 2.5 billion years. Among plant secondary

metabolites, they are the most abundant and diverse

class of natural compounds. The diversity of

terpenoids is probably a reflection of their many

biological activities in nature, which has made them a

widely used resource for traditional and modern

human exploitation. They are usually the main

constituents of essential oils of most plants offering a

wide variety of pleasant scents from flowery to fruity,

to woody or balsamic notes. For this reason

terpenoids constitute a very important class of

compounds for flavour and fragrance industries, in

fact, in the US alone, the demand is forecast to grow

3.7 percent per year to $5.3 billion in 2012. The

recent patents on production and extraction of

terpenoids commonly used as natural flavouring

compounds in food industries are reviewed in the

present manuscript [Caputi, L., and Aprea, E.*

(IASMA Research and Innovation Centre,

Fondazione Edmund Mach, Food Quality and

Nutrition Area, 38010 S. Michele all'Adige, Italy),

Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture,

2011, 3(1), 9-16].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0280, Geraniol - A review of a

commercially important fragrance material

Geraniol is a commercially important terpene

alcohol occurring in the essential oils of several

aromatic plants. It is one of the most important

molecules in the flavour and fragrance industries and

is a common ingredient in consumer products

produced by these industries. In addition to its

pleasant odour, geraniol is known to exhibit

insecticidal and repellent properties and used as a

natural pest control agent exhibiting low toxicity.

Geraniol has been suggested to represent a new class

of chemoprevention agents for cancer. Other

biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-

oxidant, anti-inflammatory and some vascular effects

have also been investigated. The effect of geraniol as

a penetration enhancer for transdermal drug delivery

has also attracted the attention of researchers and

formulation scientists. This review aims to coherently

discuss some of the most important applications of

geraniol and unites the results obtained from several

studies reporting the biological properties of this

molecule [Chen, W. and Viljoen, A.M. (Department

of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of

Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South

Africa), South African Journal of Botany, 2010, 76(4),

643-651].


132

FEED/FODDER

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0281, Effects of feeding salt-

tolerant forage cultivated in saline-alkaline land on

rumen fermentation, feed digestibility and

nitrogen balance in lamb

Mixing salt-tolerant plants with other plants

may affect rumen fermentation, which could result in

an increase of feed conversion rate. The objective of

this study was to evaluate the effects of partially or

entirely replacing the corn stover with a mixture of

salt-tolerant forage (Dahurian wildrye grass, weeping

alkaligrass and erect milkvetch) in the diet of lambs

on ruminal fermentation, feed digestibility and

nitrogen (N) balance. Ratios of corn stover to the

mixture of salt-tolerant forages in the four

experimental diets were 100:0, 67:33, 33:67 and

0:100, respectively, for control, low (LF), medium

(MF) and high (HF). Ruminal pH was lower (P =

0.048) with LF and MF than with control and HF

diets. Total VFA concentration was consistently

higher (P = 0.039) for LF and MF than for control and

HF with increasing amount of salt-tolerant forage.

Ratio of acetate to propionate was linearly (P = 0.019)

decreased due to the decrease in acetate production.

Digestibilities of OM, NDF and CP in the whole tract

linearly (P < 0.002) decreased with increasing amount

of salt-tolerant forage. Similarly, retained N and ratio

of retained N to digestible N also linearly (P < 0.005)

decreased.

Feeding salt-tolerant forage cultivated in saline-

alkaline land improved rumen fermentation with

increased total VFA production, and changed the

rumen fermentation pattern to increased butyrate

production. However, the decreased feed digestibility

in the whole digestive tract of lamb may reduce

nutrient availability to animals and thus adversely

affect animal productivity. Additionally, feeding salt-

tolerant forages may require more protein supplement

to meet animal requirements, because of the low

protein content and low protein digestibility of the

salt-tolerant forages [Cong Wang, Kuan Hu Dong,*,

Qiang Liu, Wen Zhu Yang, Xiang Zhao, Sheng Qiang

Liu, Ting Ting He, Zhuang Yu Liu (Kuan Hu Dong,

College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary

Medicines, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu,

Shanxi 030801, PR China), Journal of the Science of

Food and Agriculture, 2011, 91(7), 1259-1264].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0282, Sesbania sesban as a

fodder tree in Ethiopian livestock farming systems.

Feeding practices and farmers' perception of

feeding effects on sheep performance

Sesbania sesban is one of the exotic

multipurpose fodder trees introduced in the Ethiopian

highlands for livestock feed and soil conservation.

Several on-station studies showed that

supplementation with Sesbania improved intake and

digestibility of basal diet and growth rate of animals.

However, information about farmers' feeding

practices of Sesbania and farmers' perception of the

effect of Sesbania feeding on animal performance is

limited. The present study was conducted to assess

farmers' feeding practices and their perception about

effects of Sesbania supplementation on sheep

performance in annual (one wheat-based (WheatCL)

and one teff-based (TeffCL)) and perennial (coffee-

based (CoffeeCL)) crop-based livestock systems in

the Ethiopian Highlands. Data were collected from 98

households by interviews using a structured

questionnaire. Farmers had on average 6.9. years of

experience using Sesbania as a cut and carry

supplementary feed. Farmers in the WheatCL and

TeffCL fed Sesbania throughout the dry season while

farmers in the CoffeeCL had no specific season for

feeding Sesbania. Farmers in WheatCL and TeffCL

offered significantly (P < 0.05) more frequently and a

higher quantity per feeding of Sesbania than farmers

in CoffeeCL. Most farmers perceived increased lamb

birth weight and increased body weight gain, earlier

onset of puberty, and improved pregnancy rate of

ewes and rams' libido. Perceived improvement was

significantly more (P < 0.05) in WheatCL and TeffCL

than in CoffeeCL. We concluded that Sesbania was

appreciated across farming systems for its feeding

value. The marginal advantage of Sesbania was

lowest in the CoffeeCL with relatively good

availability of good quality feeds compared to the

WheatCL and TeffCL, which explains the less

positive perception of production and reproductive

performance of Sesbania feeding in CoffeeCL

[Oosting, S.J.*, Mekoya, A., Fernandez-Rivera, S.,

van der Zijpp, A.J. (Animal Production Systems

Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen

University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen,

Netherlands), Livestock Science

FEED/FODDER

133

2011, 139(1-2), 135-141].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0283, Evaluation of nutritive

value of Albizia gummifera foliages as fodder

source for livestock in agrisilvipastoral system

The study was conducted to assess nutritional

quality of Albizia gummifera (J.F. Gmel) C.A.Sm., a

multipurpose tree indigenous to Ethiopia, influenced

to altitude and season at hot humid tropical climatic

condition. SAS version 9.1 was used for data analysis.

Albizia gummifera leaf was examined for their

chemical components, in vitro organic matter

digestibility, digestible nutrients and dietary energy

values. On DM basis, analytical results ranged

between 108 to 308gCPkg-\ 367 to 396 gNDF kg1,

283 to 313 g ADF kg1, 68 to 72 g CT kg

1 DM, 379.8

to 430 g IVDMD kg1, 492.5 to 683.5 g CHO kg

1, 6.1

to 6.9 MJ ME kg1, 9.4 to 28.3 g DCP kg

1 7.02 to 8.2 g

DE kg1 and 400.4 to 460.3 g TDN kg

1. Effects of

altitudes and seasons had showed a wide significant

variation among many nutritive value parameters

studied (p<0.05). Significantly higher CP, IVDMD

and DCP contents were recorded for the higher

altitude region and wet season (p<0.05). A negative

correlation was observed between CT and CP,

IVDMD energy values and TDN. The altitude-seas on

interaction had a significant effect on most of the

parameters (p<0.01). The nutrient concentrations

already suggest that A. gummifera have a clear

potential for being used as sustainable feed resources

in wide locations on top of seasons that can maintain

normal rumen microbial metabolism and to supply the

quantities and balances of nutrients for different

productive states in the tropics [Yisehak, K. and

Belay, D. * (Department of Animal Sciences, Jimma

University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia),

International Journal of Agricultural Research

2011, 6(5), 389-399].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0284, Performance of feedlot

calves fed hydroponics fodder barley

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the

effect of barley green fodder produced by

hydroponics system on the performance of feedlot

calves. In a completely block randomized experiment,

24 cross bred (Holstein × Local) male calves were

assignedrandomly to one of the two treatments (diets)

that were either control (grain barley) or hydroponic

barley green fodder (BGF) that was included to

provide 22.8 percent of the total diet on dry matter

basis. Seed grade barley was grown in a hydroponics

chamber system where the growth period was

adjusted for 6 days. Body weigh gain was not

significantly different between the treatments, but the

animals that had received the control diet had higher

(P< 0.05) dry matter intake than those fed BGF diet.

There was a tendency (P= 0.199) toward differences

in feed efficiency due to dietary treatments. From

economical point of view, feed cost increased up to

24 percent when the calves were offered BGF,

because of the costly production of hydroponics green

forage. Although the mass production of fresh fodder

was about 4.5 times per kg of barley grain, this was

due to water absorption during germination and

growth period. Nevertheless, the dry matter obtained

was less than the initial barley grain and further dry

matter losses were found in the green fodder. These

findings suggest that green fodder had no advantage

over barley grain in feedlot calves, while it increased

the cost of feed [Fazaeli, H*, Golmohammadi, HA,

Shoayee AA, Montajebi, N Mosharraf S (Animal

Science Research Institute, Karaj, Iran) Journal of

Agricultural Science and Technology, 2011, 13(3),

367-375.

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0285, Effect of different

amounts of pansy and nettle in feed mixtures for

chickens on physical, chemical and strength

parameters of their bones

A study was conducted to determine the effect

of an herbal supplement used in feed mixtures on the

selected physical features and the chemical

composition of broiler chickens' bones in reference to

antibiotic growth promoter. The experimental

material was provided by 180 ROSS broiler chickens.

One-day-old nestlings were divided randomly into 2

control groups and 4 experimental groups, in three

replications, 10 birds each. The feed mixtures (Starter

and Grower/Finisher types) were made of corn and

extracted soy meal and they also contained fodder

yeast, soy oil, mineral additives, premixes (with an

addition of growth promoters or without) and an

addition of dried green forage or dried herbs. The

mechanical properties of the bones were determined

on the basis of the three-point bend test performed

with the use of an Instron 4302 apparatus coupled

with a computer. The test registers as a graph the


134

dependence between the force acting perpendicularly

to the long axis of the bone and its deformation. An

examination was performed to determine maximum

force, and the maximum elasticity force. The studies

revealed that both the type and the amount of the

herbs determined chickens' growth and the physical

and strength properties of their bones. The most

beneficial effects were observed in feeding birds

mixtures containing 1% of pansy, since the values

noted for all traits and indices were not worse than the

effects obtained in the control group receiving

antibiotic growth promoter, and in some cases they

were even higher. The least positive results occurred

in supplementing feed mixtures with 3% of nettle

[Kwiecień, M* and Jaśkiewicz, [Fazaeli, H*,

Golmohammadi, HA, Shoayee AA, Montajebi, N

Mosharraf S (Animal Science Research Institute,

Karaj, Iran), Journal of Agricultural Science and

Technology, 2011, 13(3), 367-375].

FIBRES

135

FIBRES (incl. Textile and other utility

fibres)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0286, Herbal textiles: Green

business, green earth

The expansion of textile production and

consumption has contributed to increasing pollution,

water shortages, fossil fuel and raw material

depletion, and climate change. Production of

polyester fibre, the most widely used man-made fibre,

consumes non-renewable resources and high energy

levels, and generates atmospheric emissions. Modern

automated textile plants consume large amounts of

energy. Textile finishing consumes large amounts of

water and energy and often produces harmful effluent.

Apparel production is more environmentally friendly,

but sourcing from low cost countries consumes more

fuel for transportation. Among consumers, the trend

towards fast fashion and cheaper clothing has led to a

throw-away mentality. Although recycling activity

remains at a low level - for economic and quality

reasons. Some retailers are also voluntarily attaching

"eco-labels" to garments to provide environmental

information. Although these have met with varying

levels of success in the marketplace, they can

encourage "best practice" in manufacturing. Some

labeling schemes, such as the EU Ecolabel Scheme

and its associated flower logo, adopt a full life cycle

or "cradle to grave" approach while others, such as

Öko-Tex, focus on a single aspect of an item such as

its environmental attributes, social attributes, or

individual phases of its life cycle. Other initiatives

include REACH (Registration, Evaluation and

Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

legislation which aims to encourage safe and eco-

friendly chemical production.[1]

The Sanskrit word

'Ayur' means life and Vastra means dress. Ayurvastra

is the garment that ensures better health and long life.

Normal fabrics like organically grown cotton yarn,

jute fibre, silk, wool etc. are used to make Ayurvastra

by dyeing them with the desired herbs in a controlled

temperature and environment. Ayurvastra cloth is

completely free of synthetic chemicals and toxic

irritants and is totally organic, sustainable and

biodegradable. The color of the Ayurvastra is gained

from the medicinal preparation only and no other

colorants are used. Resultantly, its property will last

as long as the colour is there. The roots, flowers,

leaves, seeds and barks of around 200 herbs are used

to make the dyes. Since the natural herbs are

generally found in very beautiful shades, Ayurvastra

is also becoming very popular for its colour

properties. It has been proved that certain synthetic

dyes used in garments are harmful to the human body.

So garments carrying herbal property will be

beneficial to the human body [Kumar, D.*,

Srivastava, A., Vidyarthi, R., Gupta, D., Kumar, A*

(Department of Textile Chemistry, D.K.T.E. Society's

Textile and Engineering Institute, Rajwada,

Ichalkaranji, Dist-Kolhapur, MS, India) Colourage

2011, 58(4), 54-60

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0287, Flame retardant

challenges for textiles and fibres: New chemistry

versus innovatory solutions

Almost 50 years ago, the 1950-1960 period

witnessed the development of the chemistry

underlying most of today's successful and durable

flame retardant treatments for fibres and textiles. In

today's more critical markets in terms of

environmental sustainability, chemical toxicological

acceptability, performance and cost, many of these are

now being questioned. "Are there potential

replacements for established, durable formaldehyde-

based flame retardants such as those based on tetrakis

(hydroxylmethyl) phosphonium salt and alkyl-

substituted, N-methylol phosphonopropionamide

chemistries for cellulosic textiles?" is an often-asked

question. "Can we produce char-forming polyester

flame retardants?" and "Can we really produce

effective halogen-free replacements for coatings and

back-coated textiles?" are others. These questions are

addressed initially as a historical review of research

undertaken in the second half of the twentieth century

which is the basis of most currently available,

commercialised flame retardant fibres and textiles.

Research reported during the first decade of the

twenty first century and which primarily addresses the

current issues of environmental sustainability and the

search for alternative flame retardant solutions, the

need to increase char-forming character in synthetic

fibres and the current interest in nanotechnology is

critically discussed. The possible roles of micro- and

nano-surface treatments of fibre surfaces and their

development using techniques such as plasma

technology are also reviewed [Horrocks A.R

*(Institute for Research and Innovation, University of


136

Bolton, Bolton BL1 5LL, United Kingdom), Polymer

Degradation and Stability, 2011, 96(3), 377-392 ].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0288, The effect of yarn length

and diameter on permeability and compaction

response of flax fibre mats

The manufacturing of fibre reinforced plastics

using Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) techniques

requires compaction of fibrous reinforcements and

flow of liquid resins through them before curing. In

the modelling of LCM processes, an accurate

description of compaction response and resin flow

resistance through the fibrous media (also described

as permeability) is required. Permeability and

compaction response affect a number of important

parameters, such as required tooling forces and mould

fill-times. To study the influence of yarn diameter and

length, on permeability and compaction

characteristics of natural fibre reinforcements, six

different types of flax yarn mats were manufactured.

Compaction tests were carried out on both dry and

saturated samples. Average in-plane permeability was

also measured at different fibre volume fractions. It

was found that increasing the yarn diameter reduced

compaction forces and increased permeability. Long

yarn length mats demonstrated higher permeability

and compaction response than short yarn length mats

[Umer, R., Bickerton, S.*

and Fernyhough, A.

(Centre for Advanced Composite Materials,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of

Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1020, New

Zealand), Composites Part A: Applied Science and

Manufacturing, 2011, 42 (7), 723-732 ].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0289, Fibre cross-section

determination and variability in sisal and flax and

its effects on fibre performance characterization

The results of a study on the measurement of

fibre cross-section and its variability in flax and sisal

fibres are presented. Cross-section values obtained

from fibre " diameter" measurements were more than

double the values obtained from actual observation of

cross-sections of the same individual fibres. The

overall conclusion is that fibre " diameter"

measurement is not an attractive method for accurate

estimation of cross-sectional area of these natural

fibres. This conclusion is significant for researchers

engaged in micromechanical investigation of natural

fibre composites since differences in fibre cross-

section translate directly into differences of the same

magnitude in the values obtained for the fibre

modulus and strength. The error in fibre cross-section

introduced by the " diameter" method scales with the

average fibre " diameter" which may also result in

erroneous observations of fibre modulus and strength

scaling inversely with natural fibre " diameter" The

difference in average cross-section observed from

fibre to fibre was significantly greater than the

variation along the length of each individual fibre.

The minimum to maximum cross-section variability

of individual flax fibres was found to be

approximately twice that observed for sisal fibres

[Thomason, J.L.*, Carruthers, J., Kelly, J. and

Johnson, G. (University of Strathclyde, Department of

Mechanical Engineering, 75 Montrose Street,

Glasgow G1 1XJ, United Kingdom), Composites

Science and Technology, 2011, 71(7), 41008-1015].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0290, Biocomposites based on

flax short fibres and linseed oil

Insulating materials based on flax short fibres

were prepared and their functional properties

enhanced using linseed oil. In order to improve

biocomposites hydrophobicity, the linseed oil was

added to the initial formulation, mixed with the fibres

and finally dried after the moulding process. Thus, the

average water absorption of 10-40/140 g/g oil/fibres

samples was reduced up to 10 times during the first

hour of immersion, compared to the reference oil-free

materials. Moreover, the linseed oil polymerization

inside the lignocellulosic matrix, which occurred after

20 days of drying at 50 °C, also improved mechanical

and thermal behaviour of biocomposites. Spontaneous

combustion phenomena related to the exothermic

oxidation-polymerization of linseed oil were

described as well. Therefore, the process parameters

such as oil/fibres ratio, drying time and temperature,

were optimized to ensure the safety of the process and

to avoid self ignition of the lignocellulosic fraction at

temperatures below 200 °C [Lazko J. *, Dupré, B.,

Dheilly, R.M., Quéneudec, M. (Laboratoire des

Technologies Innovantes (EA 3899), Université de

Picardie Jules Verne, CODEM Picardie, 41, rue Paul

Claudel, 80480 Dury, France) Industrial Crops and

Products, 2011, 33(2), 317-324].

FOOD

137

FOOD (incl. Dairy, Fishery, Poultry

and other Plant and Animal products)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0291, Tenderizing effect of blade

tenderizer and pomegranate fruit products in goat

meat

Toughness of goat meat is a major problem with

regard to consumer acceptance. Keeping this in view

a blade tenderizer was developed for tenderization of

goat meat. Pomegranate fruit products were also

explored for tenderization effect on goat meat.

Tenderization of goat meat with pomegranate seed

powder improved the textural properties marginally

with slight adverse colour change and taste. Samples

treated with PRP got lower score for colour in sensory

evaluation and there was adverse effect on taste of

treated meat. Blade tenderization and 4% PSP proved

better for tenderization and were compared with

control and 0.2% papain in goat meat chunks. The

cooked samples treated with papain and blade

incisions got better sensory scores and required lesser

shear force compared to 4% PSP and control. Overall

the papain treated meat was superior in terms sensory

attributes followed by blade incision and PSP. The

results suggested that the blade incisions can be used

for tenderization of goat meat. Pomegranate seed

powder maybe considered for mixing with other

spices to marinate goat meat mainly for its beneficial

effects [Narsaiah, K*, Jha, S.N., Devatkal, S.K.,

Borah, A., Singh, D.B., Sahoo, J. (Central Institute of

Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana

141004, India), Journal of Food Science and

Technology 2011, 48(1), 61-68]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0292, Functional and

physicochemical properties of whole egg powder:

Effect of spray drying conditions

Pasteurized liquid whole egg was subjected to

spray drying to determine the effect of spray drying

conditions on moisture content, water activity,

peroxide value, emulsion stability, gel texture,

foaming stability and colour change of the powder

product. Drying process was carried out in a pilot

scale spray dryer (Mobile Minor Niro-Atomizer,

Denmark). The inlet (165-195 °C) and outlet air

temperatures (60-80 °C) and the atomization pressure

(196-392 kPa) were investigated as spray drying

process variables. Perturbation and 3-D graphs

revealed that outlet air temperature and atomization

pressure had more effect than inlet air temperature, on

the properties of whole egg powder. Optimum spray

drying conditions of whole egg powder were

determined according to the specific endproduct

requirements (bakery foods, omelette and mayonnaise

and salad dressing) targeting to obtain the desired

value of functional properties, i.e.; emulsion stability,

gel texture, foaming stability and colour change [Koç

M., Koç, B., Susyal, G., Yilmazer, M.S., Ertekin,

F.K*, Badatliolu, N. (Faculty of Engineering,

Department of Food Engineering, Ege University,

35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey), Journal of Food

Science and Technology, 2011, 48(2), 141-149

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0293, Effect of germination and

probiotic fermentation on nutrient profile of pearl

millet based food blends

Probiotic fermented foods are fast being

recognized as health foods. Most of such foods are

based on dairy products but little research work is

available on coarse cereals and millets, which

constitute the staple foods in developing countries.

This paper aims to determine the effect of

germination and fementation on nutrient composition

of pearl millet based food blends.

Design/methodology/approach: Indigenously

developed pearl millet based food blends containing

raw and germinated pearl millet flour, whey powder

and tomato pulp (2:1:1w/w) were autoclaved, cooled

and fermented with 5 percent Lactobacillus

acidophilus curd which supplied 106 cells/ml to the

slurry at 37°C for 12 h. The unfermented blends, after

autoclaving, served as controls. The developed food

blends were subjected to nutritional evaluation by

using the standard methods of analysis. The data were

statistically analysed. Findings: Pearl millet based,

germinated, autoclaved and fermented, food blend

maintained adequate cell viability (8.64 cfu g-1

) as

compared to non-germinated food blend. Germination

and probiotic fermentation caused significant

improvement in the contents of thiamine, niacin, total

lysine, protein fractions, sugars, soluble dietary fibre

and in vitro availability of Ca, Fe and Zn of food

blends. Practical implications: Research is currently

aimed at developing probiotic millet based food

mixture, which had enhanced nutrient profile. Hence,

it can be considered for commercialization after


138

establishing its health/therapeutic implications among

the population. Originality/value: Dairy foods have

preferentially been used as the carrier medium for

probiotics. This paper explores the possibility of using

staple foods as the carrier medium. The consumption

of such food mixtures containing viable probiotic

bacteria should be enhanced among consumers in

term of their role in health maintenance and disease

prevention [Arora, S. *, Jood, S. and Khetarpaul, N.

(Department of Foods and Nutrition, CCS Haryana

Agricultural University, Hisar, India), British Food

Journal, 2011, 113(4), 470-481].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0294, Effect of differently

treated wheat bran on rheology, microstructure

and quality characteristics of soft dough biscuits

The effect of the addition of 30% of differently

treated wheat brans and the blends prepared with

wheat flour, i.e., raw bran, roasted bran, steamed and

roasted bran and microwave treated bran on the

rheological and quality characteristics of the soft

dough biscuits was studied. The dough stability

increased, mixing tolerance index values decreased,

extensograph resistance to extension increased,

extensibility and area values showed a decrease,

cohesiveness, springiness and adhesiveness of high-

fiber biscuit dough decreased with addition of wheat

bran. Biscuits made with WF-RSB and glycerol

monostearate (GMS) had the highest overall quality

score of 43.5 as against 47 for control out of 50. Total

dietary fiber content of these biscuits (WF-

RSB+GMS) was 3.25 times more than the control

biscuits. The scanning electron microscopic studies on

the crumb of high-fiber biscuits showed bran particles

adhering to starch granules and protein fibrils. The

bakery industry is the largest of the processed food

industries in India. Bread and biscuits account for

over 85% of the bakery products produced in the

country. The soft dough biscuits, being affordable,

happen to be the most widely consumed of all the

biscuit varieties in the country. There is an increase in

the awareness on the beneficial effects of high fiber

consumption. Soft dough biscuits can be an effective

carrier of fiber and can be consumed by a large

segment of the population. The data generated on the

use of wheat bran and the use of additives to improve

the biscuit dough characteristics to get a high-fiber

biscuit of satisfactory quality would benefit the biscuit

industry [Nandeesh, K., Jyotsna, R., Venkateswara

Rao, G. (Flour Milling, Baking and Confectionery

Technology Department, Central Food Technological

Research Institute, Mysore - 570 020, Karnataka,

India), Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

2011, 35(2), 179-200].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0295, Optimization of Rabadi-

like fermented milk beverage using pearl millet

Rabadi, prepared by fermenting pearl millet

(Pennisetum typhoideum L.) (PM) flour with butter

milk, is a traditional popular beverage of North-

Western states of India. A process for PM based

Rabadi-like fermented milk beverage was attempted.

Skim milk and flour of 24 h germinated PM grains

(FGG-24 h) were used as sources of solids. FGG-24 h

was mixed in skim milk before fermentation and level

of flour and water were determined using Response

Surface Methodology (RSM) with central composite

rotatable design (CCRD). The product developed

using 5.3% flour and 72%water on the basis of curd

gave the most acceptable product. For further

stabilization during storage, pectin and/or carboxy

methyl cellulose were tried at different levels and a

level of 0.6% pectin was selected. The standardized

product was packaged in glass bottles and stored

under refrigeration (5-7 °C). The shelf-life of the

product was 7 days [Modha, H.* and Pal, D. (Dairy

Technology Department, SMC College of Dairy

Science, Anand Agricultural University, Anand

388110, India) Journal of Food Science and

Technology, 2011, 48(2), 190-196].

FRUITS

139

FRUITS

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0296, Antioxidant and

radioprotective properties of commercially grown

litchi (Litchi chinensis) from India

In an earlier study, radiation treatment (0.5 kGy)

and low temperature (4°C) storage were found to

extend the shelf life of litchi fruit var. 'Shahi' and

'China' from India up to 28 days, while maintaining its

physical, biochemical and organoleptic properties.

The current study was aimed to elucidate the

antioxidant and radioprotective properties of the litchi

fruit, and the effect of radiation processing on these

properties. The litchi fruit was found to be

significantly rich in antioxidant and radioprotective

properties, and the antioxidant parameters were found

to be well correlated with the phenolic and flavonoid

contents. A significant protection to pBR322 plasmid

DNA and Escherichia coli cells from radiation

induced damage was observed in the presence of

litchi juice. Plasmid DNA was well protected even at

the dose of 5 kGy, whereas, bacterial cells could be

protected up to 0.5 kGy. Neither of these properties

was found to be sensitive to radiation processing or

low temperature storage [ Saxena S, Hajare SN, More

V, Kumar S, Wadhawan S, Mishra BB, Parte MN,

Gautam and S, Sharma, A (Food Technology

Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

400 085, Maharashtra, India), Food Chemistry, 2011,

126(1), 39-45].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0297, Color changes of tamarind

(Tamarindus indica L.) pulp during fruit

development, ripening, and storage

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is a member

of the dicotyledonous family Leguminosae. The fruit

pulp has a pleasant acid taste and rich aroma, and

thus, it is used as the chief souring agent for curries,

sauces, and certain beverages. The unripe fruit pulp is

green in color, while the ripe pulp is light brownish

red. In storage, the brown pulp turns slowly to deep

brown and finally black in color. In the present study,

the cause of color changes during developmental

stage, as well as during storage of tamarind pulp was

investigated. Tamarind pulp in unripe condition

(green pod) shows polyphenol oxidase activity up to

105 days of maturity of the fruit or until it ripens.

Thereafter due to ripening there is a marked increase

of reducing sugars and available lysine leading to

Maillard reaction. This inhibits enzymatic browning

in the ripe pulp during subsequent storage [Obulesu

M and Bhattacharya S (Grain Science and

Technology Department, Central Food Technological

Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial

Research, Mysore-570 020, India), International

Journal of Food Properties, 2011, 14(3), 538-549].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0298, Effect of Aloe vera

coatings on fruit quality and storability of

strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)

Plant-based edible coatings provide an

alternative to wax coating or chemical treatments for

extending the post-harvest life of fresh fruits and

vegetables. The effect of different concentrations of

Aloe vera gel coatings on refrigerated strawberry

quality and shelf-life was studied with the aim to

extend the shelf life of strawberries without

hampering the sensory attributes. Under cold storage

uncoated fruits showed increase in weight loss, colour

changes, loss of firmness and quality deterioration

during the storage (16 days). However, strawberries

treated with Aloe vera gel (1: 3 ratio) significantly

reduced weight loss (9.99±2.1% compared to

13.79±0.13% in control), maintained colour, firmness,

quality characteristics (TSS of 8.4° Brix compared to

7.0 ° Brix in control, acidity of 1.37% compared to

0.83% in control and ascorbic acid of 45±0.4 mg/100

g compared to 30±0.5 mg/100 g in control) and

ultimately extended storability up to 16 days when

stored at 5°C and R H 95%. The sensory analysis for

taste, aroma and flavours further confirmed the

findings. Aloe vera has medicinal and antioxidant

properties; therefore use of such plant based

alternative to post harvest chemical treatments could

not only have large acceptance among consumers but

could also find commercial application [Singh DB,

Singh R, Kingsly ARP, Sharma RR*(Central Institute

of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Malout

Road, Abohar 152, India), Indian Journal of

Agricultural Sciences, 2011, 81(5), 407-412].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0299, Sensory characterisation

enabled the first classification of dessert bananas

Knowledge of the sensory diversity of a wide

range of dessert bananas would be helpful in breeding


140

programmes and so diversify the banana market.

Descriptive sensory profiling was thus used to assess

13 cultivated bananas and four new triploid hybrids at

an eating stage. A specific vocabulary was defined to

describe the sensory traits of dessert bananas. The 17

cultivars assessed were ranked in five sensory

clusters, which differed mainly in the intensity of

sourness and sweetness. The first cluster, which

contained the standard banana (Cavendish), received

the lowest sourness and the highest sweetness and

banana flavour scores. The second cluster was the

sourest and firmest and had the highest chemical

flavour score. The third cluster was characterised by

the highest melting score, the fourth by the highest

mealiness, astringency, grassy odour and flavour

scores and the fifth by a balance between sourness

and sweetness and the highest heterogeneous texture

score. Firmness and sourness were correlated with

rheological pulp firmness and titratable acidity

respectively. The results led to the identification of

relevant attributes that grouped the sensory diversity

of dessert banana into five clusters. Combined with

hedonic data, these results should help breeders to

select banana hybrids Christophe Bugaud*, Emeline

Deverge, Marie-Odette Daribo, Fabienne Ribeyre,

Bernard Fils-Lycaon and Didier Mbéguié-A-Mbéguié

(Christophe Bugaud, CIRAD, UMR QUALISUD,

PRAM, BP 214, F-97285 Lamentin Cedex 2,

Martinique, France), Journal of the Science of Food

and Agriculture, 2011, 91(6), 992-1000].

FUEL

141

FUEL (incl. Biogas, Biodiesel, Biomass

energy, Ethanol etc.)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0300, Anaerobic digestion of

industrial hemp–Effect of harvest time on methane

energy yield per hectare

There is a worldwide emphasis to increase the

share of renewable transportation fuels. When using

agricultural land for production of renewable

transportation fuels, the energy output per hectare for

different crops and transportation fuels is a crucial

factor. In this study, the gross methane energy yield

per hectare from anaerobic digestion of industrial

hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), was determined at four

different harvest times between July and October in

Southern Sweden, a cold climate region. The biomass

yield was determined for three years and the methane

yield was determined for two years through the

biochemical methane potential test. The highest

biomass yield, 16 tonnes dry matter per hectare on an

average, and the highest methane energy yield per

hectare was achieved when the hemp was harvested in

September or October, with an average gross methane

energy yield of 136 ± 24 GJ per hectare. There was no

significant difference in the specific methane yield

between the harvest times; the average being

234 ± 35 m3 per tonne volatile solids. Biogas from

hemp turned out to be a high yielding alternative to

the currently dominating renewable transportation

fuels produced from crops grown in Sweden: ethanol

from wheat and biodiesel from rapeseed [E Kreuger*,

T. Prade, F. Escobar, S.-E. Svensson, J.-E. Englund

and L. Björnsson (Department of Biotechnology,

Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund,

Sweden), Biomass and Bioenergy, 2011, 35(2), 893-

900].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0301, Calcium-based mixed

oxide catalysts for methanolysis of Jatropha curcas

oil to biodiesel

Calcium-based mixed oxides catalysts (CaMgO

and CaZnO) have been investigated for the

transesterification of Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) with

methanol, in order to evaluate their potential as

heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production. Both

CaMgO and CaZnO catalysts were prepared by

coprecipitation method of the corresponding mixed

metal nitrate solution in the presence of a soluble

carbonate salt at pH 8–9. The catalysts were

characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),

temperature programmed desorption of CO2 (CO2-

TPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2

adsorption (BET). The conversion of JCO by CaMgO

and CaZnO were studied and compared with calcium

oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO) and zinc oxide

(ZnO) catalysts. Both CaMgO and CaZnO catalysts

showed high activity as CaO and were easily

separated from the product. CaMgO was found more

active than CaZnO in the transesterification of JCO

with methanol. Under the suitable transesterification

conditions at 338 K (catalyst amount=4 wt%,

methanol/oil molar ratio=15, reaction time=6h), the

JCO conversion of more than 80% can be achieved

over CaMgO and CaZnO catalysts. Even though CaO

gave the highest activity, the conversion of JCO

decreased significantly after reused for forth run

whereas the conversion was only slightly lowered for

CaMgO and CaZnO after sixth run [Y.H. Taufiq-

Yap*, H.V. Lee, M.Z. Hussein and R. Yunus (Centre

of Excellence for Catalysis Science and Technology,

Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400

UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia), Biomass and

Bioenergy, 2011, 35(2), 827-834].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0302, Biogenic hydrogen and

methane production from reed canary grass

The composition, biodegradability, abundance,

availability and cost determine the amenability of

carbonaceous substrate for fermentative hydrogen and

methane production systems. The aim of the present

work was to determine suitability of lignocellulosic

material, reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris

arundinacea L.), for hydrogen and methane

production at 35°C by utilizing solid RCG and acid

hydrolyzed soluble RCG. Synthetic cellulose was

used as control substrate. Acid hydrolysis released

61.7mgg−1

(dw) and 115mgg−1

(dw) of reducing

sugars from synthetic cellulose and chopped RCG,

respectively. More hydrogen was produced from acid

hydrolyzed RCG than from solid RCG, the highest

yield being 1.25mmol H2 per g (dw) RCG. Methane

production from solid RCG resulted in the highest

yield of 8.26 mmol CH4 per g (dw) RCG. In summary

hydrogen and methane was produced from RCG, and

acid hydrolysis was required for hydrogen, but not for

methane production [Aino-Maija Lakaniemi*, Perttu


142

E.P. Koskinen, Laura M. Nevatalo, Anna H.

Kaksonen and Jaakko A. Puhakka (Department of

Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University

of Technology, P.O. Box 541, FI-33101 Tampere,

Finland), Biomass and Bioenergy, 2011, 35(2), 773-

780].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0303, Eucalyptus biomass into

ethanol: Financial and sensitivity analysis in a co-

current dilute acid process. Part II

The technical and financial performance of high

yield Eucalyptus biomass in a co-current dilute acid

pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis

process was simulated using WinGEMS® and Excel

®.

Average ethanol yield per dry Mg of Eucalyptus

biomass was approximately 347.6L of ethanol (with

average carbohydrate content in the biomass around

66.1%) at a cost of $0.49 L−1

of ethanol, cash cost of

$0.46L−1

and CAPEX of $1.03L−1

of ethanol. The

main cost drivers are: biomass, enzyme, tax, fuel

(gasoline), depreciation and labor. Profitability of the

process is very sensitive to biomass cost,

carbohydrate content (%) in biomass and enzyme

cost. Biomass delivered cost was simulated and

financially evaluated in Part I; here in Part II the

conversion of this raw material into cellulosic ethanol

using the dilute acid process is evaluated [R.

Gonzalez*, T. Treasure, R. Phillips, H. Jameel, D.

Saloni, R. Abt and J. Wright (Wood and Paper

Science Department, North Carolina State University,

Raleigh, NC, USA), Biomass and Bioenergy, 2011,

35(2), 767-772].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0304, Study on saccharification

techniques of seaweed wastes for the

transformation of ethanol

Floating residue (FR), a surplus by-product from

the alginate extraction process, contains large amount

of cellulosic materials. The technical feasibility of FR

utilization as a resource of renewable energy was

investigated in this paper. The production of yeast-

fermentable sugars (glucose) from FR was studied by

dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment and further

enzymatic hydrolysis. Dilute sulfuric acid

pretreatment was conducted by using sulfuric acid at

concentration of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0%(w/v) for

0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 h, respectively at 121°C. The system

of enzymatic hydrolysis consisted of cellulase and

cellobiase. Results showed that FR might be a perfect

bioenergy resource, containing high content of

cellulose (30.0±0.07%) and little hemicellulose

(2.2±0.86%). The acid pretreatment improved the

hydrolysis efficiency of cellulase and cellobiase by

increasing the reaction surface area of FR and

enhanced the final yield of glucose for fermentation.

The maximum yield of glucose reached 277.5 mg/g

FR under the optimal condition of dilute sulfuric acid

pretreatment (0.1% w/v, 121°C, 1.0 h) followed by

enzymatic hydrolysis (50°C, pH 4.8, 48 h). After

fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 30 C for

36h, the ethanol conversion rate of the concentrated

hydrolysates reached 41.2%, which corresponds to

80.8% of the theoretical yield. It indicates that

cellulose in seaweed processing wastes including FR

is easily hydrolyzed to produce glucose in comparison

with that in terrestrial plants. FR shows excellent

prospects as a potential feedstock for the production

of bioethanol [Leilei Ge, Peng Wang and Haijin

Mou*(College of Food Science and Engineering,

Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao,

Shandong 266003, China), Renewable Energy, 2011,

36(1), 84-89].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0305, The economics of

producing biodiesel from algae

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for conventional

diesel that is made from natural plant oils, animal fats,

and waste cooking oils. This paper discusses the

economics of producing biodiesel fuel from algae

grown in open ponds. There is potential for large-

scale production of biodiesel from algal farms on non-

arable land; however, previous studies have failed to

demonstrate an economically viable process that

could be scalable to a commercialized industry. The

problems include inconsistent and insufficient algal

productivities, uncertain capital and operating costs,

volatile market prices and unknown levels of

government support. Although intensive work is

being done on many technological issues, the

economic studies and data are incomplete and out of

date. This paper presents an updated financial analysis

of the production and economic conditions that could

have a profound effect on the success of this

important alternative fuel production process [Brian J.

Gallagher* (Ecotonics Environmental Scientists, 1801

Century Park East, Suite 2400, Los Angeles, CA

90067, USA), Renewable Energy, 2011, 36(1), 158-

FUEL

143

162].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0306, New fuels from an ancient

crop

Barley has been cultivated for thousands of

years, yet it doesn’t always make the list when energy

experts discuss potential biofuel crops. And bio-oil—

a liquid fuel generated when heat breaks down plant

matter—is still a low-profile energy alternative But

research by Agricultural Research Service scientists at

the Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC) in

Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, could give a big boost to

producing bio-oil from barley feedstocks.

As a renewable transportation fuel, bio-oil made

from barley byproducts—or any other biofeedstock—

has several advantages. The fuel can potentially be

refined, stored, and distributed with the infrastructure

already in place for the petroleum fuel industry. And

perhaps in the future, consumers will be able to fill up

their cars with gasoline or diesel derived from bio-oil

without needing special adaptations in their fuel

systems.

ERRC lead scientist and chemical engineer

Akwasi Boateng worked with chemist Charles

Mullen, mechanical engineer Neil Goldberg, chemist

Robert Moreau, and research leader Kevin Hicks on

studies that evaluated the yields of bio-oil from barley

straw, hulls, and dried distillers grains (DDGS). All

three feedstocks are byproducts of fermentation of

barley grain for ethanol—a biofuel option that is

slowly gaining ground in the Middle Atlantic States

and the Southeast, where farmers could cash in on the

production of winter barley cover crops while

continuing to raise corn and other food crops in the

summer.

The researchers produced bio-oil from all three

barley byproducts via “fast pyrolysis,” an intense

burst of heat delivered in the absence of oxygen. In

the lab, a kilogram of barley straw and hulls yielded

about half a kilogram of bio-oil with an energy

content about half that of No. 2 fuel oil.

The energy content of bio-oil from barley

DDGS—including DDGS contaminated with

mycotoxins, which can’t be used to supplement

livestock feed—was even higher, about two-thirds

that of No. 2 diesel fuel oil. But it was more viscous

and had a shorter shelf life than the bio-oils produced

from straw or hulls.

The fast-pyrolysis process also creates a solid

byproduct called “biochar,” which might improve the

water-holding capacity and nutrient content of soils.

Amending soils with biochar can sequester carbon in

the soil for thousands of years.

Based on these studies, the scientists suggest

that colocating fast-pyrolysis units in commercial

barley grain ethanol plants could be a win-win

proposition for farmers in the Middle Atlantic States.

Barley grain could be used to produce ethanol, and

the byproducts could be used to produce bio-oil either

for transportation fuels or for producing heat and

power needed for the grain-to-ethanol conversion

[Agricultural Research, November/December 2010,

58(10)].


144

GUM/RUBBER (incl. Latex, Resin,

Pectin, Tannin, Mucilage, Starch,

Cellulose, etc.)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0307, Production of xanthan

gum from Xanthomonas campestris Nrrl B-1459 by

fermentation of date juice palm by-products

(Phoenix dactylifera L.)

In this work, we studied the possibility to use

date juice for xanthan gum production by

Xanthomonas campestris NRRL B-1459. The results

showed that this strain has a high ability to metabolize

date juice. The data on optimization of physiological

conditions of fermentation, pH, temperature,

inoculum's size, glucose and nitrogen concentration

showed that the maximum xanthan yield of 24.5 g/L

was obtained from 60 g/L glucose, 3 g/L ammonium

sulphate when batch fermentation was carried with

5% inoculum's size at pH 7, 28C, 48 h, on a rotary

orbital shaker at 180 rpm. The polysaccharide purified

by high performance liquid chromatography and

analyzed by thin layer chromatography contained

glucose, glucoronic acid and mannose.

Agri-food by-products rich in sugars may be

used to produce high added value food ingredients

such as xanthan gum. No work has studied the

production of this polysaccharide from date. This

study is focused on given value addition to date by-

product (hard texture) by production of xanthan gum.

The effect of several parameters (pH, temperature,

inoculum's size, agitation speed, nitrogen source and

carbon concentration) on production yield was

investigated Riadh Ben Salah*, Kacem Chaari,

Souhail Besbes, Christophe Blecker and Hammadi

Attia (Unité Analyses Alimentaires, Ecole Nationale

des Ingénieurs de Sfax, Route de Soukra, “BPW”,

Sfax 3038, Tunisia), Journal of Food Process

Engineering, 2011, 34(2), 457-474].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0308, Rheological interactions

between Lallemantia royleana seed extract and

selected food hydrocolloids

Lallemantia royleana (Balangu) is a

mucilaginous endemic plant which is grown in

different regions of world. The flow behaviour of

Balangu seed extract (BSE) and its mixture with

xanthan, guar and locust bean gums at 1:3, 1:1 and

3:1 ratios, in addition to control samples (0% BSE),

were evaluated. To describe the rheological properties

of samples, the power law model was fitted on

apparent viscosity–shear rate data. To evaluate the

interaction between BSE and selected hydrocolloids

in dilute solutions, the relative viscosity was also

investigated.

There was no significant difference between the

consistency coefficient of guar and locust bean

solutions and their blends substituted with 250 g kg−1

BSE. The BSE–xanthan mixture at 1:3 and 1:1 ratios

had consistency index equal to xanthan solution.

BSE–locust bean gum at all ratios, BSE–xanthan at

1:3 ratio and BSE–guar gum at 1:1 and 3:1 ratios

indicated relative viscosity lower than values

calculated assuming no interaction. The intrinsic

viscosity value of BSE was determined 3.50 dL g−1

.

The apparent viscosities of BSE, selected

hydrocolloids and their blends were the same at a

shear rate of 293 s−1

and the commercial gums can be

substituted by 250 g kg−1

and 500 g kg−1

BSE [T

Mohammadi Moghaddam, Seyed M A Razavi* and B

Emadzadeh(Department of Food Science and

Technology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM),

P.O. Box 91775-1163, Mashhad, Iran), Journal of the

Science of Food and Agriculture, 2011, 91(6), 1083-

1088].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0309, Natural resins and

bioactive natural products thereof as potential

anitimicrobial agents

Natural products and their derivatives have

historically been invaluable as a source of therapeutic

agents and have contributed to the discovery of

antimicrobial agents. However, today with the

development of drug-resistant strains, new scaffolds

and new sources of bioactive compounds are needed.

To this end, plant derived natural resins are reviewed

for their potential application as antimicrobial agents.

Natural gums, extracts of the whole resins, as well as

specific extracts, fractions, essential oils and isolated

compounds from the above resins are discussed in

terms of their antifungal, antibacterial, and

antiprotozoal activity Termentzi, A, Fokialakis, N*,

Skaltsounis, AL (Department of Pharmacognosy and

Natural Products Chemistry, University of Athens,

Panepistimioupolis, 15771 Athens, Greece), Current

GUM/RUBBER

145

Pharmaceutical Design, 2011, 17(13), 1267-1290].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0310, Characterizing gum

natural rubber samples through advanced

techniques

Owing to its origin, Natural Rubber exhibits

more variation than synthetic polymers. If, over the

years, NR specifications have evolved from mere

visual inspections towards the more complex

Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) schema,

industrial practice shows that, even for typical TSR

grades, significant variations still exist within each

shipment, especially in regard to processability. It

follows that mastication is quite systematically

needed in industrial operations, without or with

processing aids or so-called peptizers. Typical NR

compounding operations consume therefore time and

mixer capacity, a situation, which obviously calls both

better characterization methods of (gum) natural

rubber and eventually improved grades. There are

nowadays promising new techniques to analyze and

characterize polymer materials, some of which are a

priori attractive for a better specification of NR

grades. One such technique is the so-called Fourier

Transform rheometry, a dynamic testing method to

investigate both the linear and the non-linear

viscoelastic domains of polymer materials. Other are

spectroscopic methods like solid Nuclear Magnetic

Resonance (NMR), either liquid or solid, whose

results might be complemented by Size Exclusion

Chromatography with special detection techniques,

e.g. SEC-MALS, and Differential Scanning

Calorimetry (DSC). The purpose of the work reported

here was to investigate a series of gum NR grades

using such techniques, with the objectives not only to

demonstrate their interest but also to cross-validate

their results [Leblanc, J.L*, Pilard, J.-F., Pianhanuruk,

E., Campistron, I. and Buzaré, J. Y. (Paris-Sorbonne

Université (Paris 6), Polymer Rheology and

Processing, F-94408 Vitry-sur-Seine, France),

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2011, 119(5),

3058-3071

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0311, Biofunctional behaviour

and health benefits of a specific gum arabic

Gum arabic (GA) is shown to conform to the

definitions of dietary fibre, now finally adopted by the

European Union and Codex Alimentarius. A non-

starch polysaccharide, GA is not digested in the

intestine but is fermented in the colon to give short-

chain fatty acids, leading to a wide range of potential

health benefits. An obstacle to regulatory approval of

such health applications could be the wide natural

variability of commercial gum arabic which has been

demonstrated to change its molecular parameters and

functional properties. For this reason, a well

characterized and specific gum arabic [Acacia (sen)

SUPERGUM™

] has been produced, which has

guaranteed structural reproducibility. We report here

on the studies in vivo and in vitro with this material,

which show its compatibility in the diet of patients

suffering with diabetes mellitus and reduction in

systolic blood pressure, which may translate into

improved cardiovascular outcome and a reduction in

the progression of renal disease [Phillips, A.O. and,

Phillips, G.O. (Phillips Hydrocolloids Research

Centre, Glyndŵr University, Wrexham, Wales,

United Kingdom), Food Hydrocolloids, 2011, 25(2),

165-169].


146

INSECTICIDES (incl. Fungicides,

Herbicides, Nematicides, Larvicides,

etc.)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0312, Management of

Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) by

Withania somnifera (Solanaceae)

The herbicidal activity of Withania somnifera

(L.) Dunal against the noxious weed parthenium

(Parthenium hysterophorus L.) was evaluated. In a

laboratory bioassay, the effect of aqueous, methanol

and n-hexane shoot and root extracts of 5%, 10%,

15% and 20% w/v concentrations (on a fresh weight

basis) of W. somnifera were tested against the

germination and seedling growth of parthenium. In

general, aqueous and methanol extracts markedly

suppressed the germination, root and shoot growth of

parthenium. The shoot extracts were more inhibitory

than the root extracts. In a foliar spray bioassay, the

aqueous and methanol shoot extracts of 10% w/v (on

a dry weight basis) concentration were sprayed on 1-

week and 2-week-old pot-grown parthenium

seedlings. Two subsequent sprays were carried out 5

and 10 days after the first spray. The aqueous and

methanol extracts significantly reduced the length and

biomass of parthenium shoots. In a soil amendment

bioassay, the crushed shoots of W. somnifera were

incorporated in the soil at 1-5% w/w. Parthenium

seeds were sown one week after the residue

incorporation and plants were harvested 40 days after

sowing. All the soil amendment treatments

significantly reduced seed germination by 43-89%.

The highest dosages of 4% and 5% significantly

suppressed the root and shoot biomasses of

parthenium. This study concludes that foliar spray of

aqueous and methanol extracts, and soil amendment

with leaf residue of W. somnifera, can control the

germination and growth of parthenium, one of the

world's worst weeds [Javaid, A.*, Shafique, S. and

Shafique, S. (Institute of Mycology and Plant

Pathology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam

Campus, Lahore, Pakistan), Natural Product

Research, 2011, 25(4), 407-416].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0313, Applications of

phytochemical and in vitro techniques for reducing

over-harvesting of medicinal and pesticidal plants

and generating income for the rural poor

Plants provide medicine and pest control

resources for millions of poor people world-wide.

Widespread harvesting of medicinal and pesticidal

plants puts pressure on natural populations, thus

severely compromising their contribution to the

income and well-being of traders and consumers. The

development of in vitro propagation techniques

appropriate for developing countries will provide a

robust platform for effective propagation and

cultivation of endangered plants. This review focuses

on advances in the application of phytochemical and

in vitro tools to identify and rapidly propagate

medicinal and pesticidal plants. Problems of over-

harvesting can be alleviated and ex situ cultivation in

agroforestry systems can be facilitated through

improving seed germination, in vitro cloning and the

use of mycorrhizal fungi. We also present a case for

effective use of phytochemical analyses for the

accurate identification of elite materials from wild

stands and validation of the desired quality in order to

counter loss of efficacy in the long run through

selection, propagation or ex situ management in

agroforestry systems. Future prospects are discussed

in the context of medicinal activity screening,

sustainable propagation, on-farm planting,

management and utilization [Sarasan, V.*, Kite, G.C.,

Sileshi, G.W. and Stevenson, P.C. (Royal Botanic

Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United

Kingdom), Plant Cell Reports, 2011, 30(7), 1163-

1172].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0314, Neem based insecticides

interaction with development and fecundity of red

cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus Fab

The red cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus, an

important polyphagous pest, causes heavy loss to

cotton and lady's finger (bhindi) crops which badly

affects the economy of poor farmers. In the present

study, the impact of different concentrations of neem

based insecticides (NBIs) on coupling, moulting,

development, hemocyte, fecundity and egg-hatching

of D. cingulatus was evaluated. Various

concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5%) and doses

(2.5 to 20 µL) of NBIs viz. neemark, multineem and

neemazal were prepared by diluting them in acetone

were applied topically on the dorsum of the body of

nymphs and adults and eggs of different age groups.

INSECTICIDES

147

NBIs caused developmental abnormalities such as

prolongation of nymphal periods, ecdysial stasis,

formation of adultoids and adults with varied degrees

of wing deformities. The delay in moulting of treated

nymphs is found concentration, dose and stage

dependent. The application of NBIs on cephalic and

thoracic regions and on ventral surface of insects

showed more sensitivity than on abdominal region

and dorsal surface. The NBIs application interrupted

the coupling and cause lessening of fecundity and

egg-hatching also. Among aforesaid NBIs, neemazal

treatment was somewhat more effective. In addition,

significant reduction in Total Hemocyte Count (THC)

and deformities in hemocyte morphology were also

observed in NBIs treated insects. It is assumed that

the phenomena like metamorphic developments,

coupling and fecundity are controlled by Juvenile

Hormone (JH) via regulating the release of

allatotropic factor from the brain and all these effects

of NBIs are stage specific and concentration and dose

dependent. NBIs induced changes in hemocyte

contour might be also regulated by the brain hormone

[Pandey, J.P. and Tiwari, R.K*(Silkworm Physiology

Laboratory, Central Tasar Research and Training

Institute (Central Silk Board), Nagari-835303,

Ranchi, India), International Journal of Agricultural

Research, 2011, 6(4), 335-346].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0315, Larvicidal activity of

synthesized silver nanoparticles using Eclipta

prostrata leaf extract against filariasis and malaria

vectors

Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases,

causing millions of deaths every year. Use of

synthetic insecticides to control vector mosquitoes has

caused physiological resistance and adverse

environmental effects in addition to high operational

cost. Insecticides of synthesized natural products for

vector control have been a priority in this area. In this

study, larvicidal activity of synthesized silver

nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing aqueous extract from

Eclipta prostrata, a member of the Asteraceae was

investigated against fourth instar larvae of filariasis

vector, Culex quinquefasciatus say and malaria

vector, Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera:

Culicidae). The synthesized AgNPs characterized by

UV-vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy

(SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM),

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray

diffraction (XRD). SEM analyses of the synthesized

AgNPs were clearly distinguishable measured 35-

60nm in size. Larvae were exposed to varying

concentrations of aqueous extract of synthesized

AgNPs for 24h. The maximum efficacy was observed

in crude aqueous, and synthesized AgNPs against C.

quinquefasciatus (LC50=27.49 and 4.56mg/L;

LC90=70.38 and 13.14mg/L), and against A. subpictus

(LC50=27.85 and 5.14mg/L; LC90=71.45 and

25.68mg/L) respectively. The chi-square value were

significant at p<0.05 level. These results suggest that

the synthesized AgNPs have the potential to be used

as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the

Culex tritaeniorhynchus and A. subpictus. This

method is considered as a new approach to control

vectors. Therefore, this study provides first report on

the mosquito larvicidal activity of synthesized AgNPs

against vectors [Rajakumar, G. and Abdul Rahuman,

A.* (Unit of Nanotechnology and Bioactive Natural

Products, Post Graduate and Research Department of

Zoology, C.Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam -

632 509, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India), Acta

Tropica, 2011, 118(3), 196-203]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0316, Larvicidal efficacy of

Eugenia jambolana Linn. Extracts in three

mosquito species at Mysore

The development of resistance to chemical

insecticides among mosquito species has been

considered as a setback in vector control. So,

researchers have diverted their interest towards

insecticides of plant origin as an alternative source.

Thus the present investigation was undertaken to

analyse the larvicidal activity of Eugenia jambolana

leaf extracts by employing against the fourth instar

larvae of three medically important mosquito species

namely Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and

Anopheles stephensi at Mysore following the

guideline of WHO larval bioassay methodology. The

extraction process was carried with a soxhlet

apparatus employing petroleum ether, ethyl acetate,

acetone and methanol as a solvents. The results shows

that among the mosquito species Aedes aegypti was

found to be the most susceptible with the LC50 value

of 40.97 ppm compared to that of Culex

quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi with LC50

53.84 and 96.00 ppm, respectively. The crude

petroleum ether extract of this plant with good

larvicidal efficacy will be considered as a potent


148

candidate for further analysis [Raghavendra, B.S.,

Prathibha, K.P., Vijayan, V.A.*(Department of

Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore,

Manasagangothri, Mysore, Karnataka, India), Journal

of Entomology, 2011, 8(5), 491-496].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0317, Bioactivities of Cocos

nucifera L. (Arecales: Arecaceae) and Terminalia

catappa L. (Myrtales: Combretaceae) leaf extracts

as post-harvest grain protectants against four

major stored product pests

Compounds extracted from the leaves of

coconut palm, Cocos nucifera L. (Arecales:

Arecaceae) and the Indian almond, Terminalia

catappa L. (Myrtales: Combretaceae) were assessed

as potential grain protectants against four major pests

of stored grains, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera:

Curculionidae), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)

(Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), Tribolium castaneum

(Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and

Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera:

Bruchidae). The crude leaf extracts and their fractions

were obtained by solvent elution and bioassayed in

the laboratory, focusing on (a) the duration of

protection and (b) their effects on progeny production.

Results showed that adults of C. chinensis, S. oryzae,

and T. castaneum were equally susceptible to the

fumigant toxicity of C. nucifera and T. catappa crude

extracts as well as their column eluted fractions. On

the contrary, adults of R. dominica showed tolerance

to all the extracts tested in both fumigation and

contact mode bioassays. Cocos nucifera crude

extracts were highly effective in offering long-term

protection in residual toxicity trials and along with the

crude extracts of T. catappa showed strong repellent

properties against the tested species except for R.

dominica in a Y-tube olfactometer. Generally, the

chromatographic fractions of crude leaf extracts

eluted with ethyl acetate were significantly more

effective than methanol, chloroform or hexane-eluted

fractions. Further, all the tested plant extracts

demonstrated a negative impact on several biological

parameters such as feeding activity and progeny

production of the tested species. These results

highlight the potential of C. nucifera and T. catapa

extracts as potent insecticides, feeding deterrents and

progeny production inhibitors and consequently are

suitable for the control of pests in stored commodities

[Rani, P.U.*, Venkateshwaramma, T. and Devanand,

P. Biology and Biotechnology Division, Indian

Institute of Chemical Technology, Taranaka,

Hyderabad 500607 AP, India), Journal of Pest

Science, 2011, 84(2), 235-247].

OILS/FATS

149

OILS/FATS (incl. Edible oils, Fish oil,

Butter

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0318, Chemical compositions

and fatty acid profiles of three freshwater fish

species

This study investigated the chemical

composition and fatty acid profiles of Cyprinus(C)

carpio, Labeo(L) rohita and Oreochromis(O)

mossambicus from the Indus River, Pakistan.

Significant differences were observed for most

chemical components and fatty acids (P < 0.01) in the

examined fish species. O. mossambicus, C. carpio and

L. rohita were high in saturated, mono-unsaturated

and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, respectively.

Palmitic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all

species ranging from 32% to 46%. Although these

fish contained reasonable amounts of essential PUFA

such as docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic and

arachidonic acids, L. rohita contained the highest

amounts of PUFA and protein. These fish contained

appreciable levels of Omega-6 PUFA suggesting that

these fish especially L. rohita could be used as a

source of healthy diet for humans. These findings may

benefit the fishing industry, nutritionists and

researchers who are striving to improve the nutritive

value, processing and marketing of selected fish

species [Farhat Jabeen*and Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry

(Department of Zoology, GC University Faisalabad,

Pakistan), Food Chemistry, 2011, 125(3), 991-996]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0319, Cottonseed oil as health oil

There are varieties of cooking oil and fat

available today and the claims made by them are, at

best, confusing. On one side are the traditional ghee,

mustard oil, coconut oil, and gingelly oil. Then, there

are the used for-decades vanaspati and groundnut oil,

as well as the relatively newer kinds of vegetable oil

ranging from cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, corn,

canola, soybean, and palm to various blends. In

particular, cottonseed oil performs better than other

oil as it lasts a long time and stores well by

withstanding higher temperature for food items due to

its high antioxidant content. For instance, chips and

snacks fried in cottonseed oil may maintain a longer

shelf life. It is a good option for preparing healthier

foods. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the

value of addition cottonseed oil in the food industry

and presents an insight into other contemporary edible

oil. It is important to note that buying the right oil for

health has become a big deal [Chandra Sekhar, S.* and

Bhaskara Rao, V.K. (St. Ann's College of Engineering

and Technology, Vetapalem - 523 187, Prakasam

District, Andhra Pradesh, India), Pertanika Journal of

Tropical Agricultural Science, 2011, 34 (1), 17-24].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0320, Sesame oil exhibits

synergistic effect with anti-diabetic medication in

patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Studies have reported that sesame oil lowered

blood pressure and improved antioxidant status in

hypertensive and diabetic-hypertensive patients. The

aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of

sesame oil with anti-diabetic (glibenclamide)

medication as combination therapy in mild-to

moderate diabetic patients. This open label study

included sixty type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

divided into 3 groups, receiving sesame oil (n = 18), 5

mg/day (single dose) of glibenclamide (n = 20), or

their combination (n =22). The patients were supplied

with sesame oil [BNB Sesame oilTM

] except

glibenclamide group, and instructed to use

approximately 35 g of oil/day/person for cooking, or

salad preparation for 60 days. 12 h-fasting venous

blood samples were collected at baseline (0 day) and

after 60 days of the experiment for various

biochemical analysis. As compared with sesame oil

and glibenclamide alone, combination therapy

showed an improved anti-hyperglycemic effect with

36% reduction of glucose (P < 0.001 vs before

treatment, P < 0.01 vs sesame oil monotherapy, P <

0.05 vs glibenclamide monotherapy) and 43%

reduction of HbA1c (P < 0.001 vs before treatment, P

< 0.01 vs sesame oil monotherapy, P< 0.05 vs

glibenclamide monotherapy) at the end point.

Significant reductions in the plasma TC, LDL-C and

TG levels were noted in sesame oil (20%, 33.8% and

14% respectively vs before treatment) or combination

therapies (22%, 38% and 15%, respectively vs before

treatment). Plasma HDL-C was significantly

improved in sesame oil (15.7% vs before treatment)

or combination therapies (17% before treatment).

Significant (P < 0.001) improvement was observed in

the activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic

antioxidants in patients treated with sesame oil and its

combination with glibenclamide. Sesame oil exhibited


150

synergistic effect with glibenclamide and can provide

a safe and effective option for the drug combination

that may be very useful in clinical practice for the

effective improvement of hyperglycemia [Sankar,

D.*, Ali, A., Sambandam, G. and Rao, R.

(Department of Biotechnology, AVIT, Vinayaka

Missions University, Paiyanoor 603 104, Chennai,

Tamilnadu, India), Clinical Nutrition, 2011, 30 (3),

351-358].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0321, Oil productivity and

composition of sunflower as a function of hybrid

and planting date

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a potential

cash crop for the southeastern United States for

production of cooking oil or biodiesel. Two years

(2006 and 2007) of experiments were conducted at

each of five locations in Mississippi to evaluate the

effect of planting date (April 20, May 20, and June

20), and hybrid (DKF3875, DKF2990, DKF3510,

DKF3901, PR63M80, PR62A91, PR63A21,

PR63M91, and PR64H41) on seed yield, oil content,

and oil composition of sunflower. Seed oil

concentration varied from 25 to 47%. The oleic acid

concentration in the oil was greater than 85% for

DKF3510 and PR64H41, above 65% for PR63M80

and PR63M91, and intermediate for the other hybrids.

Total saturated fatty acids (TSFA) concentration in

the oil (the sum of palmitic, stearic, arachidic,

behenic, and lignoceric acids) ranged from 6.3 to

13.0%, with DKF3510, PR63M91, and PR64H41

having lower concentration of TSFA than the other

hybrids. Mean seed yields ranged from 997 to

2096kgha-1

depending on location. Mean oil yields at

the five locations ranged from 380 to 687kgha-1

, and

calculated biodiesel production ranged from 304 to

550kgha-1

. Seed and oil yields in this study suggest

sunflower in Mississippi should be planted by the last

week of May. Later planting (20 June) may

significantly decrease both seed and oil yields in the

non-irrigated system in Mississippi and in other areas

of the southeastern United States with similar

environmental conditions [Zheljazkov, V.D.*, Vick,

B.A., Baldwin, B.S., Buehring, N., Coker, C.,

Astatkie, T., Johnson, B. (Mississippi State

University, North Mississippi Research and Extension

Center, 5421 Highway 145 South, Verona, MS 38879,

United States), Industrial Crops and Products, 2011,

33(2), 537-543]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0322, Effects of oil type on

products obtained by cracking of oils and fats

This paper deals with cracking of vegetable oils

and animals fats in the presence of zeolite catalysts,

the objective being preparation of liquid products

similar in their properties to fossil diesel. The effects

of oil/fat type on the liquid condensate yields and

parameters were monitored. The tests were carried out

with rapeseed, sunflower, soybean and jatropha oils as

well as with used frying oils. Liquid condensates with

yields of 85 to 90% relative to the input oil were

obtained at temperatures of 350 to 440°C applied for

the period of 20 to 30 min in the presence of zeolite

catalysts NaY and clinoptilolite. The input oil types

had no significant effect on the yields and

characteristics of the treated condensate. In this

respect, used frying oils (UFO) as a feed material

match other types of fresh oils and fats. Treated

condensates blended with fossil diesel (5-7% of the

condensate by volume) are compliant with the EN

590 standard and can thus be used as a component of

diesel fuels [Eduard Buzetzki, Katarína Sidorová,

Zuzana Cvengrošová, Ján Cvengroš* (Faculty of

Chemical and Food Technology STU, Radlinského 9,

812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia), Fuel Processing

Technology, 2011, 92(10), 2041-2047].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0323, Studies on chemical and

sensory parameters of coconut oil and its olein

blends with sesame oil and palmolein during wheat

flour-based product frying

Blends of coconut oil-coconut oil with sesame

oil (blend 1); coconut olein with sesame oil (blend 2);

coconut olein with palmolein (blend 3) in 1:1 (v/v)

ratio- were used in this study for frying Poori, a

traditional Indian fast food prepared from wheat flour.

Changes in oil quality were determined by chemical

and sensory methods. Free fatty acid content did not

change whereas peroxide value increased. Anisidine

value increased from 5.5, 0.9 and 4.2 to 34.3, 42.8 and

23.6 for blends 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Iodine value

showed marginal decrease in blends 1 and 2. Diene

value showed no change in all three blends. Sesamol

content in blends 1 and 2, total tocopherols in all the

three blends, and β-carotene content in blend 3

decreased after frying. The blends showed a

significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the characteristic

coconut oil odour after frying. Blend 3 showed

OILS/FATS

151

comparatively better frying stability and also overall

sensory quality of poori fried in this blend was the

highest [Khan, M.I., Asha, M.R., Bhat, K.K.,

Khatoon, S.* (Department of Lipid Science and

Traditional Foods, Central Food Technological

Research Institute (Council of Scientific and

Industrial Research), Mysore 570020, India), Journal

of Food Science and Technology, 2011, 48(2), 175-

182].


152

PHYTOCHEMICALS

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0324, New steroidal lactones and

homomonoterpenic glucoside from fruits of Malva

sylvestris L.

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic

extract of defatted fruits of Malva sylvestris Linn.

(Malvaceae) led to the isolation of six new steroidal

lactones and a homomonoterpenic glucoside along

with β-sitosterol-3-β- D-glucopyranoside. The

structures of new phytoconstituents have been

elucidated as cholest-5-en-3a-ol-18(21)-olide

(sylvestrosterol A), cholest-9(11)-en- 3α-ol-18(21)-

olide (sylvestrosterol B), cholest-4,6,22-trien-3α-ol-

18(21)-olide (sylvestrosterol C), 2-methyl-6-

methylene-n-decan-2-olyl- 3β-D-glucopyranoside

(malvanoyl glucoside), cholest-7-en-18(21)-olide- 3α-

olyl-3β-D-glucopyranoside (sylvestrogenin A),

cholest-9(11)-en- 18(21)-olide-3α-olyl-3β-D-

glucopyranoside (sylvestrogenin B) and cholest-5-en-

8(21)-olide-3α-olyl-3β-D-glucopyranoside

(sylvestrogenin C).The structures of all these

phytoconstituents have been established on the basis

of spectral data analysis and chemical reactions

[Mustafa, A.

and Ali, M* (Department of

Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of

Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New

Delhi-110062, India), Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica -

Drug Research, 2011, 68(3), 393-401

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0325, Insights into research on

phytochemistry and biological activities of Prunus

armeniaca L. (apricot)

Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) is an important

medicinal edible plant species commonly known as

"apricot". Apricot is one of the most delicious and

commercially traded fruits in the world. The plant is

rich in mono- and polysaccharides, polyphenols, fatty

acids and sterol derivatives, carotenoids, cyanogenic

glucosides, and volatile components due to its

appealing smell. P. armeniaca has been also

investigated for various biological activities such as

antimicrobial, antimutagenic, inhibitory activity

against several enzymes, cardioprotective, anti-

inflammatory and antinociceptive as well as

antioxidant activity. Among these activities,

antioxidant activity of apricot has been studied

extensively and the plant displayed a high antioxidant

effect in both in vitro and in vivo test systems. In this

review, the relevant literature summary is given on

phytochemistry and biological activity reports

published on apricot [Erdogan-Orhan, I.* and Kartal,

M. (Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of

Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Turkey),

Food Research International, 2011, 44(5), 1238].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0326, Unusual withanolides

from aeroponically grown Withania somnifera

In an attempt to maximize production and the

structural diversity of plant metabolites, the effect of

growing the medicinal plant Withania somnifera

under soil-less aeroponic conditions on its ability to

produce withaferin A and withanolides was

investigated. It resulted in the isolation and

characterization of two compounds, 3α-(uracil-1-yl)-

2, 3-dihydrowithaferin A (1) and 3β-(adenin-9-yl)-

2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (2), in addition to 10 known

withanolides including 2,3-dihydrowithaferin A-3β-

O-sulfate. 3β-O-Butyl-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (3),

presumably an artifact formed from withaferin A

during the isolation process was also encountered.

Reaction of withaferin A with uracil afforded 1 and its

epimer, 3β-(uracil-1-yl)-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (4).

The structures of these compounds were elucidated on

the basis of their high resolution mass and NMR

spectroscopic data [Ya-ming Xu, Song Gao, Daniel P.

Bunting and A.A. Leslie Gunatilaka* (SW Center for

Natural Products Research and Commercialization,

School of Natural Resources and the Environment,

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The

University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Road, Tucson,

AZ 85706-6800, USA) Phytochemistry, 2011, 72(6),

518-522]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0327, Steroidal alkaloid

saponins and steroidal saponins from Solanum

surattense

A rare 16β-H steroidal alkaloid saponin (1), an

avenacoside-type saponin (2), two steroidal saponins

(4, 5), one revised-structure steroidal saponin (3) and

six known compounds (6–11) were isolated from

aerial parts of Solanum surattense Burm. f. Their

structures were established on the basis of physical

data, as well as by using spectroscopic (HRESIMS,

1D and 2D NMR), and chemical analysis methods.

PHYTOCHEMICALS

153

Compounds 1 and 11 showed cytotoxicity against

A549 cell line with IC50 values of 20.3 and 15.7 µM,

respectively [Yuanyuan Lu, Jianguang Luo and

Lingyi Kong*(Department of Natural Medicinal

Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong

Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China),

Phytochemistry, 2011, 72(7), 668-673].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0328, Microbial metabolism of

α-mangostin isolated from Garcinia mangostana L.

α-Mangostin (1), a prenylated xanthone isolated

from the fruit hull of Garcinia mangostana L., was

individually metabolized by two fungi,

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (EYL131) and

Neosartorya spathulata (EYR042), repectively.

Incubation of 1 with C. gloeosporioides (EYL131)

gave four metabolites which were identified as

mangostin 3-sulfate (2), mangostanin 6-sulfate (3),

17,18-dihydroxymangostanin 6-sulfate (4)and

isomangostanin 3-sulfate (5). Compound 2 was also

formed by incubation with N. spathulata (EYR042).

The structures of the isolated compounds were

elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. Of the

isolated metabolites, 2 exhibited significant anti-

mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium

tuberculosis [Panarat Arunrattiyakorn*, Sunit

Suksamrarn, Nuttika Suwannasai and Hiroshi

Kanzaki (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of

Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok

10110, Thailand), Phytochemistry, 2011, 72(8), 730-

734].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0329, Unusual glycosides of

pyrrole alkaloid and 4′-hydroxyphenylethanamide

from leaves of Moringa oleifera

Glycosides of pyrrole alkaloid

(pyrrolemarumine 4″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside) and

4′-hydroxyphenylethanamide (marumosides A and B)

were isolated from leaves of Moringa oleifera along

with eight known compounds; niazirin, methyl 4-(α-l-

rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzylcarbamate, benzyl β-d-

glucopyranoside, benzyl β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-

β-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-

glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside,

adenosine and l-tryptophan. Structure elucidations

were based on analyses of chemical and spectroscopic

data including 1D- and 2D-NMR [Poolsak

Sahakitpichan, Chulabhorn Mahidol, Wannaporn

Disadee, Somsak Ruchirawat and Tripetch

Kanchanapoom*(Chulabhorn Research Institute and

Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Vipavadee-Rangsit

Highway, Bangkok 10210, Thailand),

Phytochemistry, 2011, 72(8), 791-795].


154

SPICES/CONDIMENTS

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0330, Low-cost greenhouse

technology for drying onion (Allium Cepa L.) slices

The performance of the greenhouse solar heat

collector was highly dependent on the solar radiation,

ambient temperature and relative humidity. Increase

in air temperature inside greenhouse varied from 0.7

to 19.0C, and relative humidity inside greenhouse

varied from -16 to 25.7% by air exchange at a flow

rate of 6.1 m3/s. The average midday thermal

efficiency was around 20.82%. The cured red onion

(Allium cepa L.) bulbs were cleaned, outer layer was

peeled and trimmed manually, and washed in water to

remove dirt and infection. Edible bulb of onion was

sliced into 3-mm thick slices by using manual

stainless steel slicer. The onion slices were pretreated

with sodium chloride, and potassium metabisulphite,

for 5 min in three concentration levels (0.25, 0.50 and

0.75%) and drained onion slices were spread in thin

layers in trays before keeping them in greenhouse for

drying. Onion slices were dried in 19 sunshine hours.

Preservatives used as pretreatment in 3-mm sliced

onion were found to be significantly different

(probability, P < 0.05) from each other. It was found

that 0.50% potassium metabisulphite was best.

Availability of solar energy is abundant in the Indian

subcontinent and drying of agricultural produce using

low cost greenhouse is one of the latest developments

when crop production is not possible in greenhouse

during summer season. Low cost greenhouse can be

utilized to dry the onion slice a salternative to

conventional mechanical dryers. Greenhouse drying

can be used for the preparation of shelf-stable

dehydrated onion slices for the purpose of use during

off-season. The quality of dehydrated onions is good

and it can be stored for months together. Dried onion

slices can be used same as fresh onion after

rehydration, apart from this, it can be added directly

into soups, etc., before cooking [ Kadam, D.M.*,

Nangare, D.D., Singh, R., Kumar, S. (Central Institute

of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology

(CIPHET), PO: PAU, Ludhiana 141004 (Punjab),

India), Journal of Food Process Engineering, 2011,

34(1), 67-82].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0331, Coriandrum sativum: A

daily use spice with great medicinal effect

Coriandrum sativum Linn. has been credited

with many medicinal properties. The green leaves of

coriander are known as "asotu" in the Eastern

Anatolian region or "cilantro" in the United States and

are consumed as fresh herb. The essential oil obtained

from its fruits at amounts ranging from approximately

0.5 to 2.5% is used both in flavours and in the

manufacture of perfumes and soaps. The plant is

grown widely all over the world for seed, as a spice,

or for essential oil production. It is one of the earliest

spices used by mankind. It has been used as a

flavouring agent in food products, perfumes and

cosmetics. It is used for various purposes such as for

flavouring sweets, beverages, tobacco products and

baked goods and as a basic ingredient for curry

powder. It has been used as an analgesic, carminative,

digestive, anti-rheumatic and antispasmodic agent

[Mahendra, P.* and Bisht, S., (Department of

Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan

Vihar University, Jaipur 302004, India),

Pharmacognosy Journal, 2011, 3 (21), 84-88].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0332, Antibacterial activity of

natural spices on multiple drug resistant

Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water,

Bangladesh

Spices traditionally have been used as coloring

agents, flavoring agents, preservatives, food additives

and medicine in Bangladesh. The present work aimed

to find out the antimicrobial activity of natural spices

on multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli

isolates.Methods: Anti-bacterial potentials of six

crude plant extracts (Allium sativum, Zingiber

officinale, Allium cepa, Coriandrum sativum, Piper

nigrum and Citrus aurantifolia) were tested against

five Escherichia coli isolated from potable water

sources at kushtia, Bangladesh.Results: All the

bacterial isolates were susceptible to undiluted lime-

juice. None of them were found to be susceptible

against the aqueous extracts of garlic, onion,

coriander, pepper and ginger alone. However, all the

isolates were susceptible when subjected to 1:1:1

aqueous extract of lime, garlic and ginger. The

highest inhibition zone was observed with lime (11

mm). Natural spices might have anti-bacterial activity

against enteric pathogens and could be used for

prevention of diarrheal diseases. Further evaluation is

necessary [Rahman, S., Parvez, A.K., Islam, R.,

Khan, M.H.* (Department of Biotechnology and

SPICES/CONDIMENTS

155

Genetic Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia-

7003, Bangladesh), Annals of Clinical Microbiology

and Antimicrobials, 2011, 10, 15 March 2011, Article

number 10].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0333, Studies on antimicrobial

activities of solvent extracts of different spices

The antimicrobial activities of the ethyl acetate,

acetone and methanol extract of 12 plant species were

studied. The extract of Capsicum annuum (red

pepper) (fruit) Zingiber officinale (ginger) (root),

Cuminum cyminum (cumin), Alpinia ficinarum

(galingale), Coriandrum sativum (coriander),

Cinnamomun zeylanicum Nees (cinnamomun),

Origanum onites L. (thyme), Folium sennae(senna),

Eugenia caryophyllata(doves), Flos tiliae (lime),

Folium menthae crispae (peppermint) and Piper

nigrum (Blackpepper) were tested in vitro against 2

fungi and 8 bacterial species by the disc diffusion

method. Klebsiella pneumonia 13883, Badllus

megaterium NRS, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC

27859, Staphylococcus aureus 6538 P, Escherichia

coli ATCC 8739, Enterobacter cloaca ATCC 13047,

Corynebacterium xerosis UC 9165, Streptococcus

faecalis DC 74,. Kluyveromyces marxianus,

Rhodotorula rubra were used in this investigation.

The results indicated that extracts of different spices

has shown antibacterial activity in the range of 7-24

mm 30µl-1

inhibition zone Eugenia caryophyllata

(cbve), 7-20 mm 30µl-1

inhibition zone Capsicum

annum (red pepper) and Cinnamomun zeylanicum

(cinnamon) bark, 7-18 mm 30µ1-1

inhibition zone

Folium sennae (senna) leaves, 7-16 mm 30 µl-1

inhibition zone Zingiber officinale (ginger) root, 7-15

mm 30µl-1

inhibition zone Cuminum cyminum

(cumin) seed, 7-14 mm 30 µl-1

inhibition zone Folium

menthae crispae (peppermint), Origanum onites

(thyme) leaves and Alpinia ficinarum (galingale) root,

7-12 mm 30 µl-1

inhibiton zone Piper nigrum

(blackpepper), 7-11 mm 30µl-1

inhibition zone Flos

tíliae (lime) leaves, 7-8 mm 30µl-1

inhibition zone

Coriandrum sativum (coriander) to the

microorganisms tested [Keskin, D.and Toroglu,

S.*(Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of

Biology, Kahramanmaras Sutculmam University,

Kahramanmaras-46100, Turkey), Journal of

Environmental Biology, 2011, 32(2), 251-256]


156

SUGARS (incl. Natural sweeteners,

Jaggery, Palm sugar, Honey, etc.)

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0334, Effect of storage

conditions on keeping qualities of jaggery

Storage behaviour of jaggery samples, stored in

different containers (open pan, polythene bag and

jaggery drying cum storage bin) was studied for a

period of 6 months. The change in quality

characteristics such as moisture content, colour,

sucrose and reducing sugar were determined at an

interval of 1 month. The study was conducted on

commercial jaggery to observe the effect of storage

period on quality characteristics of jaggery. The

experimental data revealed that the jaggery moisture

content was increased from an initial value of 12.07 to

22.36% (db) in open storage, while it was decreased

to 9.23% (db) in case of bin and was increased up to

15.84% (db) in case of polythene bags. Similarly the

percentage change in sucrose, reducing sugar and

colour was lesser in bin and polythene bags than in

open storage. The colour of jaggery became darker

during storage. The optical density of jaggery was

increased from 0.18 to 0.27. The acidity of the

jaggery was increased slightly during storage which

was within the safe limits. Good keeping quality of

jaggery could be maintained in storage bin. Jaggery,

stored in bin, showed less reduction in quality

parameters [Chand, K.*, Shahi, N.C., Lohani, U.C.,

Garg, S.K. (Department of Post Harvest Process and

Food Engineering, G. B. P. U. A. T., U.S. Nagar,

Pantnagar 263145 Uttarakhand, India), Sugar Tech,

2011, 13(1), 81-85

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0335, Effect of pretreatments on

physico-chemical characteristics of sugarcane juice

Sugarcane juice was collected from the local

vendor and its physico-chemical properties like pH,

brix, acidity, vitamin C and microbial count were

measured by standard methods. Sugarcane juice

beverage samples were prepared by pasteurizing the

juice at different temperatures. Pasteurization were

done of eight conical flasks which contain 100 ml of

sugarcane juice per flask at different temperatures viz.

80, 85, 90, 95°C for 2 min. Samples of sugarcane

juice were stored at 25 and 4°C in pre-sterilized glass

bottles and analyzed vitamin C and microbiological

attributes at every 2 days interval for 25 days. The

vitamin C decreased, whereas, microbial count

increased significantly (P < 0.01) during storage. The

changes in different attributes were significantly (P <

0.01) higher at 25°C as compared to 4°C. Sugarcane

juice pasteurized at 90°C for 2 min and stored at 4°C

was shown the best result so again pasteurization was

done of sugarcane juice at 90°C for 30 s, 1 min, 2

min, 5 min and stored at 4°C and analyzed for

physico-chemical properties like pH, brix, acidity,

vitamin C and microbiological attributes at every 2

days interval for 25 days. The pH and vitamin C

decreased, whereas, titratable acidity and microbial

count increased significantly (P< 0.01) during storage.

The best result was obtained from the juice which was

pasteurized at 90°C for 5 min and stored at 4°C, after

25 days the vitamin C 4.7 mg/ml, microbial content

50/1 ml, brix 10, acidity 0.072 mol/l, pH 4. An

acceptable quality beverage of sugarcane juice with

satisfactory storage stability for 25 days at 4°C could

be prepared [Karmakar, R *, Ghosh, A.K.,

Gangopadhyay, H. (Department of Food Technology

and Bio-Chemical Engineering, Jadavpur University,

Kolkata 700032, India), Sugar Tech, 2011, 13(1), 47-

50].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0336, Minimising of

decolourisation cost for invert cane syrup

production using low colour sugarcane varieties

Production of invert cane syrup is an alternative

diversification product from sugarcane. The main

problem with this product is the high cost of the

associated decolourisation process for producing

syrup with attractive colour for the consumer. This

research project was conducted to study the effect of

raw cane juice colour from different cane varieties on

the colour of clear juice after purification and

decolourisation steps as part of the process for the

production of invert cane syrup. Purification of the

raw cane juice was conducted using carbonatation-

phosphatation followed by decolourisation of the

clear juice using powder activated carbon (PAC).

Sugarcane varieties were grouped into high, medium

and low colour varieties having raw cane juice colour

>20,000, 10,000-20,000 and <10,000 IU, respectively.

The correlation between raw cane juice colour and

clear juice colour after the purification and

decolourisation processes was very high. The colour

of clear juice after purification followed by

SUGARS

157

decolourisation using PAC at 1. 6% on brix using

high, medium and low colour cane varieties were

4,500, 2,100 and 680 IU, respectively. In order to get

the same colour as clear juice from low colour cane

varieties, additional decolourisation processing was

needed for clear juice from the high colour cane

varieties. This investigation was able to show that

using selective low colour sugarcane varieties in the

production of invert cane syrup minimised the cost of

decolourisation [Triantarti*, Kurniawan Y and

Toharisman A. (Indonesian Sugar Research Institute,

Pasuruan, Indonesia), Sugar Tech, 2011, 13(1), 7-12].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0337, Physico-chemical method

of preserving sucrose in harvested sugarcane at

high ambient temperature in a sub-tropical

climate

Sugarcane in subtropical areas is harvested

under a wide array of temperatures, grading from 8 to

42°C. The crushing of harvested cane is often delayed

for longer than 72 h leading to a steep decline in

sucrose content, especially late in the harvest season

when ambient temperatures are high. The average

reductions in Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS) in

untreated billets and whole cane during late harvest

were 0. 735 and 0. 502 units/day. These losses were

reduced to 0. 310 and 0. 365 units/day following

treatment with a chemical formulation containing

benzalkonium chloride (0. 2%) and sodium

metasilicate (0. 5%). These chemicals also decreased

the formation of reducing sugars in billets from 13. 19

to 5. 13 and 15. 69 to 6. 18 mg/ml per day in upper

and lower billets, respectively [Solomon, S. *, Singh,

P., Shrivastava, A.K., Singh, P., Chandra, A., Jain, R.,

Prajapati, C.P. (Post-Harvest Laboratory, Division of

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Indian Institute of

Sugarcane Research, Lucknow 226002, India), Sugar

Tech, 2011, 13(1), 60-67].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0338, Sucrose accumulation and

internodal soluble invertase isoenzymes in plant

and ratoon crops of sugarcane

Accumulation pattern of sucrose and hexoses in

relation to activities of invertases in stem tissue of

plant and ratoon crops of CoJ88 (mid maturing

variety) has been investigated at different

physiological stages of cane growth. At each stage of

crop development, sucrose content was relatively

more in ratoon crop than plant crop, whereas the

reducing sugar content was relatively less in ratoon

crop than plant crop. The activity of soluble acid

invertase in stem was found to be highest at stem

elongation stage and declined thereafter in both plant

and ratoon crops. The activity of soluble acid

invertase (pH 5.5) was markedly lower in ratoon crop

as compared to plant crop at each stage of crop

development. Higher level of sucrose and lower level

of acid invertase in ratoon crop indicates higher sink

strength and better juice quality of ratoon crop. The

activity of neutral invertase (pH 7.0) increased with

the advancement of the cane growth in both the crops.

Three isoenzymes of soluble acid invertase in plant

crop namely A-I, A-II and A-III and two isoforms of

this enzyme in ratoon crop namely A-I and A-II were

identified at stem elongation stage. Neutral invertase

isoenzyme was not detected in both the crops at this

stage. At maturation stage, one acid invertase isoform

i. e. A-I was obtained in both the crops along with

four neutral invertase isoenzymes in plant crop i. e. N-

I, N-II, N-III and N-IV and two isoforms of this

enzyme in ratoon crop i. e. N-I and N-II. These

invertase isoforms differed with respect to their Km

and Vmax values. From the temperature effect on Km

and Vmax values, the energy of activation (Ea) and

enthalpy change ({increment}H) of invertase

isoenzymes were calculated at stem elongation and

maturity stages and compared among isoenzymes of

plant and ratoon crops in relation to sucrose

accumulation [Batta, S.K*, Kaur, B., Sital, J.S.,

Sandhu, S.K. and Uppal, S.K. (Department of

Biochemistry, Punjab Agricultural University,

Ludhiana 141004 Punjab, India), Sugar Tech, 2011,

13(1), 51-59].


158

THERAPEUTICS

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0339, Phytochemical screening

and in-vivo antipyretic activity of the methanol

leaf-extract of Bombax malabaricum DC

(Bombacaceae)

To investigate the antipyretic activity of the

methanol extract of Bombax malabaricum leaves

(MEBM) in rats. Baker's yeast was used to induce

fever in Wistar rats which were divided into four

groups. The animal groups were thereafter

administered MEBM (200 mg/kg), MEBM (400

mg/kg), paracetamol (reference standard, 150 mg/kg)

and 1% Tween 80 (control), respectively. The body

temperature of the rats was measured rectally over a

period of 8 h. MEBM was also phytochemically

screened for alkaloids, steroids, carbohydrates,

tannins, fixed oils, proteins, triterpenoids, deoxy-

sugar, flavonoid, cyanogenetic and coumarin

glycosides. MEBM (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg)

significantly reduced yeast-induced pyrexia (p<0.05,

p<0.01, respectively). Phytochemical tests showed the

presence of steroids, carbohydrates, tannins,

triterpenoids, deoxy-sugars, flavonoids and coumarin

glycosides. The methanol extract of Bombax

malabaricum leaves possesses significant antipyretic

activity [Hossain, E., Mandal, S.C. and Gupta, J.K.*

(Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur

University, Kolkata700 032, India), Tropical Journal

of Pharmaceutical Research, 2011, 10(1), 55-60].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0340, An evaluation of diuretic

activity of Morinda citrifolia (Linn) (Noni) fruit

juice in normal rats

Morinda citrifolia (Noni fruit) juice, a proven

antioxidant when evaluated for nephroprotective

effects in a murine model was noted to produce a high

volume of urine formation. Hence it was evaluated for

its diuretic potential in normal rats. The study was

conducted in saline primed Wistar albino rats (n=6)

using frusemide (10 mg/kg) as the reference diuretic

drug with two oral doses, 5mg/kg and 10mg/kg

respectively. Urine volume and electrolytes (Sodium,

Potassium and Chloride) excretion was estimated at

the end of 24 hours and data was analyzed by

Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney tests. P<0.05 was

considered as statistically significant. Noni fruit juice

statistically increased the volume of urine (6.82

±1.18ml/100g/24hr and 7.87±1.15ml/100gm/24hr) in

a dose dependent manner increasing the diuretic index

to 2.04 and 2.36 for 5ml.kg and 10ml/kg dose ranges

respectively. However, there was a statistical

significant decrease in sodium ion excretion

(70.1±14.3 m.mol/L at 5ml/kg and 41.97±9.3

m.mol/L at 10ml/kg) when compared to the control

(107±5.18 m.mol/L). Though there was a similar

decrease in potassium excretion it was not statistically

significant. These findings indicate that the probable

increase in urine formation might be due an aquaretic

action of Noni fruit rather than a natruretic effect and

further studies with larger doses and longer duration

are warranted [Shenoy, J.P., Pai, P.G.* , Shoeb, A.,

Gokul, P., Fulani, A. and Kotian, M.S. (Department

of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India),

International Journal of Pharmacy and

Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, 3(2), 119-121].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0341, Antidiabetic potential of

unripe Carissa carandas Linn. fruit extract

Carissa carandas commonly known as Karanda

have a long history of use in traditional system of

medicine. It is used by tribal healers of Western Ghat

region of Karnataka as hepatoprotective and

antihyperglycemic. However, no scientific data is

available to validate the folklore claim. The present

study has been designed to evaluate its unripe fruit for

the antidiabetic activity. In the present study,

methanol extract of unripe fruits and its fractions were

studied for its antidiabetic potential. The methanol

extract and its fractions were screened for antidiabetic

activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The

polyphenolic, flavonoid and flavanone contents of

methanolic extract and its fractions were also

determined and correlated with its antidiabetic

activity. The experimental data indicated that the

methanol extract and its ethyl acetate soluble fraction

has significantly lowered the elevated blood glucose

levels by 48% (p< 0.001) and 64.5% (p < 0.001)

respectively at dose level of 400 mg/kg per oral after

24 h as compared to diabetic control. In order to

assess the role of polyphenolic components in the

relevant activity, polyphenolic and flavonoid contents

were determined. The polyphenolic and flavonoid

content of methanol extract and its ethyl acetate

soluble fraction were found to be 15.8 ± 1.2 mg and

THERAPEUTICS

159

18.55 ± 0.34 mg (gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and

flavonoid content 2.92 ± 0.03 mg and 1.534 ± 0.30

mg (rutin equivalent/g extract), respectively. The

increased antidiabetic potential of ethyl acetate

fraction over methanol extract is due to its partial

purification achieved by fractionation which resulted

in increase in degree of polymerization and

segregation of secondary metabolites [Itankar, P.R. ,

Lokhande, S.J. , Verma, P.R. , Arora, S.K. , Sahu,

R.A. , Patil, A.T. * (Department of Pharmaceutical

Sciences, Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Division, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur

University, Amravati Road, Nagpur 440 033,

Maharashtra, India), Journal of Ethnopharmacology,

2011, 135(2), 430-433].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0342, Hypoglycemic,

antidiabetic and toxicological evaluation of

Momordica dioica fruit extracts in alloxan induced

diabetic rats

The aim of the study was to evaluate the

antidiabetic effect of Momordica dioica fruit extracts

in alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats. Aqueous

extract of Momordica dioica (AEMD) showed

maximum fall (52.8%) in 0 to 1 h Fasting Blood

Glucose (FBG) in Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

compared to hexane (39%), chloroform (37.2%) and

ethanol (37.7%) extract in normal healthy rats. Since

AEMD exhibited maximum hypoglycaemic activity

as compared to other extracts, it was further studied

for antidiabetic effect in diabetic rats. The oral

Effective Dose (ED) of AMED was 200 mg kg-1

body

weight which produced a fall of 57.5% (p<O.OO1) in

diabetic rats. The 200 mg kg-1

body weight AMED

once daily for 21 days reduced the elevated Blood

Glucose (BG) by 64.8% (p<O.OO1), Post Prandial

Glucose (PPG) by 76.9% (p<0.001) and glycosylated

hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 37.6% (p<O.OO1). Urea,

creatinine and urinary sugar, total protein, AST, ALT,

alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin activities were also

reduced after AEMD treatment in diabetic rats. Above

3 g kg-1

b.wt was Lethal dose of AEMD i.e., 15 times

of ED indicating high margin of safety. Our study

suggests possible use of aqueous extract of fruits of

M. dioica for the management of diabetes mellitus

[Singh R., Seherawat, A, Sharma, P. (Department of

Zoology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India),

Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2011, 6(5),

454-467]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0343, Alleviation of fluoride-

induced hepatic and renal oxidative stress in rats

by the fruit of Limonia acidissima

We report an investigation into the antioxidative

effect of Limonia acidissima (LA) fruit powder on

fluoride-induced hepatic and renal oxidative stress in

rats administered 100 ppm NaF (45.2 ppm F ion) in

their drinking water. LA fruit powder was mixed with

the diet at 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 gram percent levels for

four weeks, after which the antioxidant status of the

liver and kidneys was assessed by measuring the

levels of lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric reactive

substances (TBARS), total ascorbic acid (TAA), and

reduced glutathione (GsH), along with decreased

activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutatse

(SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). LA

produced a significant (p <0.05) dose-dependent

decrease in the levels of TAA and GsH, and also the

activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx, along with an

elevation in the TBARS concentration. These results

indicate that LA fruit powder has considerable anti-

oxidant activity as a nutritional supplement and offers

protection against F-induced hepatic and renal

oxidative stress [Vasant, R.A., Narasimhacharya,

A.V.R.L.* (Laboratory for Animal Sciences,

Department of Biosciences, Sardar Patel Maidan,

Sardar Patel University, Vadtal Road, Satellite

Campus, Vallabh Vidyanagar 388120, Gujarat, India),

Fluoride, 2011, 44(1), 14-20].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0344, Antiproliferative and

antioxidant activities of Juglans regia fruit extracts

Cancer chemopreventive action of walnut

[Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] has been explored.

This study evaluated antiproliferative and antioxidant

activities of walnut. Materials and methods: Various

fractions of walnut extract have been screened for

antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell

lines using the MTT assay. All these fractions have

also been evaluated for total phenolic content,

antioxidant activity, and reducing power capacity.

Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a

high level of antiproliferation against HepG-2, liver

cancer cell line (IC50=9 and 15 µg/mL, respectively).

Exhibiting high phenolic content, antioxidant activity,

and potent antiproliferative activity, walnut may act

as a cancer chemopreventive agent [Negi, A.S.,

Luqman, S, Srivastava, S., Krishna, V., Gupta, N.,


160

Darokar, M.P* (Molecular Bioprospection

Department, Central Institute of Medicinal and

Aromatic Plants (CIMAP-CSIR), Lucknow, Uttar

Pradesh, India), Pharmaceutical Biology, 2011, 49(6),

669-673].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0345, Effects of Silybum

marianum (L.) Gaertn seeds extract on

dermatophytes and saprophytes fungi in vitro

compare to clotrimazol

During recent years, increasing side effects for

syntactic drugs have been motivated by more

researchers for finding new compounds of the plant

with antifungal activity. Dried fruits extract of

Silybum marianum contain flavonoid compounds and

until now, no studies have been conducted on the

antifungal activates of methanolic extract of this

plant. In this study, inhibitory potential of S.

marianum methanolic extract on dermatophytes and

saprophytes fungi was investigated in vitro compare

to clotrimazol. Antifungal activities of S. marianum

seeds extract were evaluated against pathogens

(Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermaphyton

folocosom, Microsporum canis) and saprophytes

(Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans) fungi with

different methods such as, disc diffusion (60, 30, 15,

7.5, 3.2 and 1.6 mg extract per disc), pour plate and

broth (50, 25,12.5, 6.2, 3.1, 1.5 mg ml-1 extract in

medium). Concentration of cloterimazol as a control

was 10 µg ml-1. Our results showed that, S. marianum

seeds extract prevents the growth of dermatophytes

more than saprophytes fungi. The best inhibitory

effects of extract (6.2 mg ml-1) in Microsporum canis

and Epidermaphyton folocosom cultures were

achieved by porplate and broth methods that were

similar to our results with 10 µg ml-1 cloterimazol.

No inhibitory effects were observed in Aspergillus

niger and Candida albicans cultures. With attention to

our finding, components of the Silybum marianum

extract have antifungal effects on the growth of

dermatophytes [Salehi, M., Hasanloo, T., Mehrabian,

S. and Farahmand, S. (Instructor Department of

Biology, Payamnur University, Ghom, Iran),

Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, 16(4), 203-210].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0346, Ethnobotanical aspects of

Rauvolfia serpentina (L). Benth. ex Kurz. in India,

Nepal and Bangladesh

Rauvolfia serpentina has long being used in

India for the treatment of snakebites, hypertension,

high blood pressure and mental illness. The present

review deals with the extensive amount of work

undertaken in recent years at different parts of the

Indian subcontinent to explore the use of this plant in

the treatment of different ailments by the tribals or the

aboriginals as a part of their ethnomedical system.

Different ethnic groups use this plant to treat snake,

insect and animal bite, mental illness, schizophrenia,

hypertension, blood pressure, gastrointestinal

diseases, circulatory disorders, pneumonia, fever,

malaria, asthma, skin diseases, scabies, eye diseases,

spleen diseases, AIDS, rheumatism, body pain,

veterinary diseases etc. This plant is also being used

to prepare fermented food products [Dey, A. and De,

J.N.* (Department of Botany, Charuchandra College,

Kolkata, India), Journal of Medicinal Plant Research,

2011, 5(2), 144-150].

VEGETABLES

161

VEGETABLES

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0347, Effect of processing

parameters on physico-chemical and culinary

quality of dried carrot slices

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the

carrot (Daucus carota) cultivars, to optimize the

pretreatments, time and temperature combination for

drying carrot slices and to assess the suitability of the

dried product for culinary preparations. Among the 4

cultivars, ('PC-34-, 'Sel-21-, 'Ambala Local- and

'Nantes-) the last one showed the best physico-

chemical characteristics for dehydration. The dried

carrot slices with highly desirable physicochemical

characteristics could be prepared from 4.5 mm thick

slices, blanched in water at 95 °C for 4 min followed

by 2 stage phase drying at 90±5 °C for 2 h and at

60±5 °C for 7 h in a cross-flow hot air cabinet dryer.

Dipping slices in 6% potassium metabisulphite

solution prior to drying improved the rehydration

ratio, colour, retention of ascorbic acid and

carotenoids content of dried slices. The soup and

curried product prepared from dried slices had highly

acceptable sensory quality with 8.5 and 8.2 scores,

respectively on a 9-point Hedonic scale [Sra, S.K.,

Sandhu, K.S. and Ahluwalia, P (Punjab Horticultural

Post-harvest Technology Centre, Ludhiana 141 004,

India), Journal of Food Science and Technology,

2011, 48(2), 159-166].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0348, Phytochemical potential of

Eruca sativa for inhibition of melanoma tumor

growth

Solvent extracts from the aerial and root parts

and seed oil from E. sativa (rocket salad) were

assayed for anticancer activity against melanoma

cells. The seed oil (isothiocyanates rich) significantly

(p < 0.01) reduced the tumor growth comparable to

the control. Remarkably, the seed oil inhibited

melanoma growth and angiogenesis in mice without

any major toxicity. The findings qualify seed oil for

further investigations in the real of cancer prevention

and treatment [Khoobchandani, M., Ganesh, N.,

Gabbanini, S., Valgimigli, L., Srivastava,

M.M.*(Department of Chemistry, Dayalbagh

Educational Institute, Agra 282110, India),

Fitoterapia, 2011, 82(4), 647-653].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0349, Morphological studies of

bell pepper germplasm

Morphological characterization of bell pepper

(Capsicum annuum L. var. grosssum Sendt.)

germplasm is a prerequisite in a crop improvement

program. The study was conducted during 2007 and

2008 at the vegetable experimental farm of the CSK

Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur,

Himachal Pradesh, India, to study morphological

traits of bell pepper genotypes which include the

parents 'Kandaghat Selection', 'EC-464115', 'EC-

464107', 'HC-201', 'AC-48', 'SKAU-SP-613-1', 'PBC-

631', 'SKAU-SP-633-1', 'California Wonder', 'Yolo

Wonder', and 'Solan Bharpoor' and 24 F1 hybrids from

previous Line ×Tester mating with comparison to the

standard check 'Bharat'. Characterization of genotypes

was done for the plant descriptors fruit shape, fruit

shape at pedicel attachment, blossom end fruit shape,

fruit position, plant height, and fruit color. Blocky

fruit shape, lobate pedicel attachment, sunken

blossom end fruit shape, pendent fruit position, and

dark green fruit color at the time of horticultural

maturity could be desirable horticultural attributes.

Bell pepper germplasm contain sufficient genetic

variability and can be used for crop improvement.

Characterization of bell pepper germplasm will

provide valuable information for strengthening

breeding programs because it helps in selection of

parents on the basis of morphological characters. The

character expression of F1 s surpassing parents either

positively or negatively was comparable to a

transgression effect. Resemblance to either parent or

intermediate character expression was attributed to

dominant and additive gene action, respectively

[Sood, S. and, Kumar, N. *(Department of Vegetable

Science and Floriculture, Himachal Pradesh

Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh,

India), International Journal of Vegetable Science,

2011, 17(2), 144-156].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0350, Toxic and antinutritional

factors of new varieties of pea seeds

Legumes are the most common variety of food

used by the humans largely by the low income group

and vegetarians. In India and under developing

countries legumes are recognized as one of the most

important sources of edible vegetable proteins. In

addition to being a relatively inexpensive source of


162

dietary proteins, legumes possess desirable attributes

such as abundance of complex carbohydrates, ability

to lower serum cholesterol in humans, high fiber

content, low fat content (excluding oilseeds), and high

concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids

particularly the essential fatty acids which is highly

essential for human health. Legumes may contain

some toxic and anti-nutritional factors which may

reduces the nutritional quality of the seeds which may

cause more curse rather than boon to the poor and

vegetarian people. In The present investigation

commonly and cheaply available different new

varieties of pea sample are selected and analysed for

the presence of toxic and anti nutritional factors.

Pisum sativum (Pea) seeds of different new varieties

like Arkel, Pusa pragati, IPF-99-25, JP-885, MM-15

and JM-6 were analysed for few toxic and anti

nutritive properties like Cyanogenetic glycosides,

Tannin content, Oxalate content, Trypsin inhibitor

activity and Haemagglutinin activity by chemical and

biochemical methods [Nagabhushana Rao, G.,

Shrivastava, S.K.*(Department of Applied Chemistry,

Govt Engineering College, Jabalpur, Madhya

Pradesh-482011, India), Research Journal of

Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences,

2011, 2(2), 512-523].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0351, Identification of enzymes

and their inhibition in ash gourd-an approach to

extend shelf life

Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida Cogn.) is a

vegetable used in the Asian subcontinent, and

believed to have medicinal value. Cut ash gourd

pieces undergo severe decay within 3 days probably

due to the enzymes xylanase, pectinase, amylase, and

cellulase, which break the cell wall polysaccharides.

Ash gourd pieces were screened for these enzymes.

Though amylase and cellulase were absent, xylanase

and pectinase were present. The enzymes were

characterized for temperature and pH optimum,

kinetic constants, and various inhibitors. The

optimum temperature and pH for xylanase and

pectinase were 50 and 60°C, and pH 5.0 and 4.0,

respectively. One millimole of

ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with 10 mM

NaCl mix completely inhibited xylanase and

pectinase. Pretreatment using a combination of 1 mM

EDTA and 10 mM CaCl2 is recommended as a first

step in preservation of cut ash gourd [ Sreenivas,

K.M., Singhal, R.S. , Lele, S.S* (Food Engineering

and Technology Department, Institute of Chemical

Technology, Nathalal Parikh Marg, Matunga,

Mumbai, India), Lele, S.S* (Food Engineering and

Technology), International Journal of Vegetable

Science, 2011, 17(2), 107-114].

WOOD

163

WOOD

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0352, An evaluation of fuelwood

properties of some Aravally mountain tree and

shrub species of Western India

The study analyses the fuelwood characteristics

of 26 trees including shrub species from the dry

deciduous forest in Aravally region, Rajasthan,

Western India was carried out to explore trees with

potential for fuelwood production. Fuelwood value

index (FVI) based on the properties of calorific value,

wood density and ash. Calorific value was ranged

between 18.54±0.04 and 27.44±0.09KJg-1

in Jatropha

curcus and Wrightia tinctoria, respectively. Wood

density varied from 0.538±0.01 to 0.966±0.07g/cm3 in

J. curcus and Acacia nilotica. Same way ash and

moisture content was highest in J. curcus

(3.38±0.19%) and Sterculia urens (70.28±7.52%) and

lowest in Miliusa tomentosa (0.85±0.06%) and

Azadirachta indica (30.7±10.02%), respectively. On

the basis, of the 26 species analyzed, M. tomentosa

has the highest FVI, followed by Lannea

coromandelica, Acacia leucophloea, Madhuca indica,

A. nilotica, W. tinctoria, Butea monosperma, Zizyphus

nummularia, S. urens, Boswellia serrata, A. indica,

Grewia tenax, Syzygium cuminii, Tectona grandis and

Dalbergia sissoo were shown to have promising

fuelwood production [Nirmal Kumar J.I.*, Patel, K.,

Kumar, R.N., Bhoi, R.K. (P.G. Department of

Environmental Science and Technology, Institute of

Science and Technology for Advanced Studies and

Research (ISTAR), Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat,

India), Biomass and Bioenergy, 2011, 35(1), 411-

414].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0353, Evaluation of some wood

quality measures of eight-year-old Melia azedarach

trees

The wood quality of 8-year-old Melia azedarach

trees grown in Saudi Arabia were studied. The wood

quality of the trees was studied in terms of fibre length,

specific gravity, and heartwood/sapwood area. The

sampled trees were felled, their stem height and diameter

were measured, and discs were cut from the stem base

and breast height of each tree. Fibre length and specific

gravity at breast height were determined, as well as the

area and proportion of heartwood and sapwood at both

base- and breast-height cross sections. The results showed

that the fibre length of Melia azedarach wood varied

between trees and ranged between 0.742 and 0.797 mm.

It increased from pith to bark, ranging between 0.62 and

0.92 mm. Specific gravity did not vary among trees, but

increased from pith to bark and ranged between 0.366 and

0.432. The proportion of heartwood accounted for about

70% at the base, but decreased to 63.32% at breast height.

There was a significant variation in the proportion of

sapwood between the base and breast height, as well as

between trees. The area of sapwood in the breast-height

cross section of Melia azedarach trees was 84.3 cm2,

compared with 102.3 cm2 at the base; however, the

proportion of sapwood was greater at breast height level

[El-Juhany, L.I. (Prince Sultan Research Centre for

Environment, Water and Desert, King Saud University, P.

O. Box 2454, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia), Turkish

Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 2011, 35(2), 165-

171]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0354, Fungal decay resistance of

wood fumigated with chlorpyrifos

Disinfestation is the main purpose of fumigation

and no subsequent and sustained protection for longer

duration against risk of attack is afforded. The ideal

fumigant is infact, one which leaves treated commodity

unchanged in all respect. Although the effectiveness of

chlorpyrifos as termiticide has been proven in laboratory

and field test studies, no information is available

concerning the fumigant action against wood degrading

fungi. Chlorpyrifos (O, O-diethyl [3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-

pyridyl] phosphorothioate) was evaluated as wood

fumigant by soil block bioassay test. Soft wood (Pinus

roxburghii) and hard wood (Populus deltoides) blocks

fumigated with 5 different concentrations of chlorpyrifos

were subjected to wood-decaying fungi, white rot

(Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Oligoporus

placentus). Results revealed that 4.9% concentration of

chlorpyrifos imparted more than 90% protection to the

wood against white and brown rot. Laboratory results

showed that chloropyrifos is very effective at all

concentrations tested, providing more than 75%

protection at lowest concentration tested i.e., 0.9% [Pant,

H. , Tripathi, S. * (Wood Preservation Discipline, Forest

Products Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,

Uttarakhand 248006, India), International

Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 2010, 64(7), 665-

669


164

OTHERS (incl. Cultivation,

Distribution, New species, Post harvest

Technologies, Packaging Technology,

New technologies/Know How

Developed, Book reviews, Forthcoming

events)

CULTIVATION

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0355, Genetic diversity analysis

in the traditional and improved ginger (Zingiber

officinale Rosc.) clones cultivated in North-East

India

Identification of clonal or genotypic variations is

a prerequisite for ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

improvement programmes. Genetic diversity analysis

was carried out in a set of forty-nine ginger clones

cultivated in North-East India using random amplified

polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The set included

clones of released varieties and clones collected from

various parts of North East India. Jaccard's genetic

similarity, cluster analysis and principal component

analysis identified five clusters. Cluster V included

four clones traditionally cultivated in the Indian state

of Meghalaya known for production of high-quality

ginger indicating that the clones were a good

candidate for ginger improvement. Specific bands for

these clones were also identified. Principal component

analysis of the molecular data supported grouping of

the clones into six hypothetical populations based on

their source or location of collection [Sajeev, S., Roy,

A.R., Iangrai, B., Pattanayak, A*, Deka, B.C.

(Division of Plant Breeding, ICAR Research Complex

for NEH Region and Umiam, Meghalaya 793103,

India), Scientia Horticulturae, 2011, 128(3), 182-188].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0356, Cultivation of Gracilaria

verrucosa (Huds) Papenfuss in Chilika Lake for

livelihood generation in coastal areas of Orissa

State

The agarophyte red alga Gracilaria verrucosa

occurs widely in Chilika Lake, one of the RAMSAR

wetland sites in India. The lake is situated in the

extreme southeast corner of Orissa between latitudes

19°28′ and 19°54′ N and longitudes 85°06′ and 85°35′

E. The natural biomass production is not sufficient for

the agar industry, and the only alternative is to

maximize the production of the seaweed through mass

cultivation by seaweed farming. To elucidate

important aspects of the growth and development of

G. verrucosa, experimental field cultivation was

undertaken at Langaleswar and Samal sites of Chilika

Lake using ropes and raft methods during March to

August, 2009. After 30 days of cultivation a

maximum 15- and 13.8-fold increase in biomass in

raft culture and rope culture, respectively, was

observed at Langaleswar and an 11.6- and 11.0-fold

increase in biomass at Samal. Environmental

parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH,

transparency, DO, conductivity, nitrate, and

phosphate were monitored at both stations, and the

influence of environmental parameters is discussed

[Padhi, S*. , Swain, P.K., Behura, S.K., Baidya, S.,

Behera, S.K., Panigrahy, M.R. (Algal Research

Laboratory, Department of Botany, Berhampur

University, 760 007 Berhampur, India), Journal of

Applied Phycology, 2011, 23(2), 151-155].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0357, Distillery spentwash

irrigation on the yields of radish (Raphanus

sativus), Onion (Allium cepa) and Garlic (Allium sativum)

Cultivation of radish (Raphanus sativus), onion

(Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) medicinal

plants was made by irrigation with distillery

spentwash of different dilutions. The spentwash i.e.,

primary treated spentwash and 33 % spentwash were

analyzed for their plant nutrients such as nitrogen,

phosphorous, potassium and other physical and

chemical parameters. Experimental soils i.e., normal

soil (plot-1) and spentwash treated (plot-2) soils were

tested for their chemical and physical parameters. The

seeds (Namadhari and Mayhco) were sowed in the

prepared land and irrigated with raw water and 33 %

spentwash. Influence of spentwash in normal and

spentwash treated soils on the yields were

investigated at their respective maturity. It was found

that the yields of all plants were high in 33 % than

raw water irrigation. Further, the yields were very

high in spentwash treated soil (plot-2) than normal

soil (plot-1) and raw water irrigations all plants

[Chandraju, S*, Nagendraswamy, R., Chidankumar,

C.S., Nagendraswamy, G. (Department of Studies in

Sugar Technology, Sir M. Visweswaraya PG Center,

CULTIVATION

165

University of Mysore, Tubinakere, Mandya-571 402,

India), Asian Journal of Chemistry, 2011, 23(4),

1585-1587].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0358, Pros and cons of P. florida

cultivation for managing waste of handmade paper

and cardboard industries

The possibility of utilizing handmade paper and

cardboard industrial sludges in the production of

edible mushrooms involves risk of introducing toxic

substances into the human food chain. Therefore, in

the present study, genotoxic assessment of P. florida

(Pleurotus florida) cultivated on these industrial

sludges and their combination with wheat straw was

done by Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium TA

98 and TA100. Interestingly, P. florida carpophores,

cultivated on wheat straw did not show either

frameshift or basepair mutagenicity as revealed by

mutagenicity ratio (<2) and mean number of

revertants which was found to be 81.3 and 93.4

revertants per plate in the absence of S9 mix.

However, this number was found to be increased to

112.1 and 226.3 revertants with S9 mix. P. florida

cultivated on waste and its combination showed

increase in number of revertants (123.4-170.1

revertants with TA 100 and 79.5-84.1 revertants with

TA 98) in the absence of S9 mix over control.

Further, increase in number of revertants (229.0-247.3

with TA 100 and 100.3-129.1 with TA 98) was

observed on adding S9 mix with both strains S.

typhymurium but still mutagenicity ratio was found to

be below 2. Hence, these mushrooms were not found

to be genotoxic. This mushroom cultivation

technique, will not only provide proteinaceous food

but also help in reducing industrial wastes. Besides,

these can serve as very good source of income for the

poor workers working in these industries that can

collect the waste from the industries and use it for P.

florida cultivation [Kulshreshtha, S. , Mathur, N. and

Bhatnagar, P. (Amity Institute of Biotechnology,

Amity University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India), IIOAB

Journal, 2011, 2(1), 45-48]


166

ANALYTICAL METHODS

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0359, Rapid electrochemical

screening of antioxidant capacity (RESAC) of

selected tea samples

Antioxidants found in the daily diets behave as

chemopreventive agents to inactivate potentially

harmful reactive oxygen species present in our

organisms. Consequently, it will be quite important to

have easy-to-use diagnostic tools to dose antioxidant

food ingredients.

A method for a robust and rapid electrochemical

screening of antioxidant capacity (RESAC) has been

developed. To assess the suitability of the developed

testing method, different tea varieties were evaluated

for their antioxidant capacity. Results obtained with

the RESAC method were highly correlated with

conventional photometric antioxidant assay like

FRAP (0.9457) and DPPH (0.9511).

The newly developed RESAC method is easy to

use, fast and at a low price. This method is well suited

for quality control and may facilitate future studies

regarding alteration of antioxidant capacity during

growth, storage and processing of food or medicinal

plants [Wilfried Andlauer*and Julien Héritier

(Institute of Life Technologies, University of Applied

Sciences, Western Switzerland, CH-1950 Sion,

Switzerland), Food Chemistry, 2011, 125(4), 1517-

1520].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0360, Suitability of a

colorimetric method for the selective

determination of chitosan in dietary supplements

A colorimetric method previously described for

the determination of chitosan has been evaluated

because lack of linearity had been observed at certain

concentrations. Calibration curves of varied-

characteristic chitosans, recovery studies and chitosan

quantification in seven commercial dietary

supplements have been performed. Some analysis

conditions including the solvent of the samples have

been studied and optimised. Different data

combinations have been checked in order to select the

widest range of concentrations where no serial

correlation was found. With the selected conditions

the method is linear, reproducible and provides

reliable results in the analysis of the chitosan content

in capsules. Its selectivity has been proved by the lack

of interference with other compounds present in the

dietary supplements. But in the case of tablet

products, the presence of cellulose and magnesium

stearate may produce an underestimation of the

chitosan content [Beatriz Miralles, Marian Mengíbar,

Ruth Harris and Angeles Heras*(Instituto de Estudios

Biofuncionales, Dpto. Química Física II. Fac.

Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Po

Juan XXIII no. 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain), Food

Chemistry, 2011, 126(4), 1836-1839].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0361, DNA extraction methods

for detecting genetically modified foods: A

comparative study

The work presented in this manuscript was

achieved to compare six different methods for

extracting DNA from raw maize and its derived

products. The methods that gave higher yield and

quality of DNA were chosen to detect the genetic

modification in the samples collected from the

Egyptian market. The different methods used were

evaluated for extracting DNA from maize kernels

(without treatment), maize flour (mechanical

treatment), canned maize (sweet corn), frozen maize

(sweet corn), maize starch, extruded maize, popcorn,

corn flacks, maize snacks, and bread made from corn

flour (mechanical and thermal treatments). The

quality and quantity of the DNA extracted from the

standards, containing known percentages of GMO

material and from the different food products were

evaluated. For qualitative detection of the GMO

varieties in foods, the GMOScreen 35S/NOS test kit

was used, to screen the genetic modification in the

samples. The positive samples for the 35S promoter

and/or the NOS terminator were identified by the

standard methods adopted by EU. All of the used

methods extracted yielded good DNA quality.

However, we noted that the purest DNA extract were

obtained using the DNA extraction kit (Roche) and

this generally was the best method for extracting

DNA from most of the maize-derived foods. We have

noted that the yield of DNA extracted from maize-

derived foods was generally lower in the processed

products. The results indicated that 17 samples were

positive for the presence of 35S promoter, while 34%

from the samples were positive for the genetically

modified maize line Bt-176 [Rafaat M. Elsanhoty,

ANALYTICAL METHODS

167

Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan* and Klaus Dieter Jany

(Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture,

Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt), Food

Chemistry, 2011, 126(4), 1883-1889].

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0362, A headspace solid-phase

microextraction method development and its

application in the determination of volatiles in

honeys by gas chromatography

The first part of the paper presents the detailed

optimisation of all steps of the determination

procedure of volatiles from Polish honeys by

headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) as

the sample preparation method and gas

chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) as the

method of final determination. In the result, the

following conditions were applied: CAR/PDMS/DVB

SPME fibre, the sample composition (5:1 w/w honey

to water ratio), 3 g sample size. The other procedure

parameters, like the temperatures of individual stages

of the process, were also included.

The methodology of semi-quantative analysis

allowed the isolation and identification of volatile

fraction compounds from popular Polish honeys, rape,

acacia, linden, buckwheat, heather, polyfloral and

honey-dew. In the effect, it was possible to determine

the series of compounds which may be the indicators

of varieties and organoleptic quality of Polish honeys

(almost 200 compounds were identified, aliphatic and

aromatic acids, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols,

terpenoids and derivatives of furan and pyran). Some

of the compounds were found for the first time, but a

significant number had already been reported in many

other papers [Beata Plutowska, Tomasz Chmiel,

Tomasz Dymerski and Waldemar

Wardencki*(Department of Analytical Chemistry,

Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology,

ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland), Food

Chemistry, 2011, 126(3), 1288-1298

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0363, Preparative separation of

punicalin from waste water of hydrolysed

pomegranate husk by macroporous resin and

preparative high-performance liquid

chromatography

The present study investigated a fast and cost-

effective method for the preparation of punicalin

from waste water of hydrolysed pomegranate husk by

H-103 macroporous resin and preparative high-

performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a

mobile phase consisting of 10% (v/v) of methanol and

0.1% TFA in water for primary separation and a

mobile phase consisting of 30% (v/v) of methanol and

0.1% TFA in water to remove gallic acid and other

minor impurities. 120 ml of waste water, which

contained about 480 mg punicalin, could produce

1147 mg of punicalin-rich extract of 36.4% punicalin

after separation by H-103 macroporous resin. 349 mg

of 97% punicalin could be obtained after purified by

preparative HPLC. The recovery per litre of waste

water was more than 70%. The product was assessed

by analytical HPLC and characterised by MS and 1H

NMR and 13

C NMR. This method is practical for

industrial applications and could provide a low-cost

means to use a currently underutilized industrial by-

product [Honghao Zhou, Qipeng Yuan* and Jingjing

Lu (State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource

Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical

Technology, Beijing 100029, China), Food

Chemistry, 2011, 126(3), 1361-1365].


168

POSTHARVEST TECHNOLOGIES

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0364, Evaluation of harvested

mushrooms and viability of Agaricus bisporus

growth using casing materials made from spent

mushroom substrate

The present work evaluates of harvested

mushroom and viability of Agaricus bisporus growth

in several casing materials based on spent mushroom

substrate. The experiment consisted of eight casing

layer, which six were made with spent mushroom

substrate. The results confirm the usefulness of

reincorporating the spent substrate in new cultivation

cycles as an ingredient of casing mixtures. In general,

biological efficiency was high, three of the SMS

based-casings surpassing the threshold value of 100kg

100kg-1

of compost. The high electrical conductivity

of mixtures containing a large proportion of spent

substrate limits the extent to which it can be used,

although mixing it with other materials (such as peat)

reduces these values to acceptable levels. In short, it

makes economic and environmental sense to reuse

spent mushroom substrate as an ingredient of

alternative casing materials [Pardo-Giménez, A,

Pardo-González, J.E., Zied, D.C. Módulo de

Cogumelos, Departamento de Produçao Vegetal

Defesa Fitossanitaria, Faculdade de Ciências

Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista,

Fazenda Lageado, Caixa Postal 237, Rua José

Barbosa de Barros, 1780, CEP 18603-970, Botucatu,

Brazil) International Journal of Food Science and

Technology, 2011, 46(4), 787-792]

NPARR 2(3), 2011-0365, Preservation technologies

for fresh fruits and vegetables

This article summarises the main findings of a

recent literature review on the application of cold

storage, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage and

modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) techniques

during storage, handling, distribution and retail sale in

order to maintain postharvest quality and safety of

fresh fruits and vegetables. Findings: Postharvest

handling and processing technology is required to

maintain quality and reduce postharvest losses.

Several studies have already been carried out in this

area. The information has been divided into different

sections such as use of cold chain and application of

modern storage and packaging technologies like CA

storage and MAP. Directions for future research:

Improvements in the MAP technique should be

further studied. The improvement of emerging

techniques such as alternative gas mixtures, as well as

antimicrobial or super atmospheric oxygen seems to

be promising. The development of appropriate

modelling simulations to predict quality changes

would be a significant advance. Edible films for use

in MAP systems are an active area of research.

However, as with other MAP methods, they can

create a very low O2 environment. Antimicrobial

compounds that can be incorporated into the coating

need to be investigated [Singh, S.*(Punjab

Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India),

Stewart Postharvest Review, 2011, 7(1)].


169

Forthcoming Conferences, Seminars, Exhibitions and Trainings

1. WEVA 2011 12th Congress of The World Equine Veterinary Association, 2 to 5 November 2011,

Hyderabad, Hyderabad (AP), India, Website: http://www.weva2011india.com/

2. National Conference on Emerging Trends in Chemistry-Biology Interface , 3 to 5 November 2011,

Nainital, India, Website: http://www.kuntl.in/images/FCET.pdf

3. National Conference on Biopharmaceuticals and Healthcare, 4 to 5 November 2011, Bangalore,

Karnataka, India; Website: http://abhyuday.co.in

4. International Conference on Chemistry of Phytopotentials: Health, Energy and Environmental

perspectives (CPHEE 2011), 4 to 6 November 2011 , Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India;

Website: http://www.dei.ac.in/ConferenceWeb/cphee2011/CPHEE/index.html

5. International Congress on Life Science, 10-13 November 2011, AMBAJI, Gujarat, India,

Website: http://lsic.blogspot.com/.

6. World Congress for man and NatureGlobal Climate Change & Biodiversity Conservation, 11-13

November 2011, Haridwar, Uttrakhand, India; Website: http://wcmanu.com.

7. National Conference on Advances in Biological Sciences, 5 to 7 November 2011, Raipur,

Chhattisgarh, India,

Website: http://www.prsu.ac.in/JUL2011/Conference%20Announcement%20Bioscience.pdf

8. Nanomedicine - Prospects and Challanges , 14 to 15 November 2011, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,

Website: http://www.ictmumbai.edu.in/newsFiles/Indo-US-Symposium.pdf

9. Natural Products in Healthcare, 24 to 26 November 2011, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, Website:

http://gurunanakcollegeofpharmacy.com/brouchure_final.pdf

10. International Symposium on Innovations in Free Radical Research and Experimental Therapeutics ,

7 to 9 December 2011, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India, India,

Website: http://www.karunya.edu/biotech/International_Conference.pdf

11. International conference on Climate Change, Forest resource and Environment- ICCFRE-2011 , 9

to 11 December 2011, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India,

Website: http://www.neaindia.org/iccfre2011/br1.htm

12. Conference on Informatics & Integrative Biology (CIIB-2011), 14 to 16 December 2011, Kolkata,

India ; Website: http://www.boseinst.ernet.in/bic/ciib2011/

13. National Conference on Environment and Biodiversity of India, 20 to 22 December 2011, New

Delhi, Delhi, India; Website: http://www.ebi2011.in


170

Announcements

Original research Papers and Reviews on topics dealt within this repository are invited for publication

in peer reviewed, quarterly journal (March, June, September and December), Indian Journal of

Natural Products and Resources (Formerly known as Natural Product Radiance). For details visit

[email protected]. The papers may be sent to Dr (Mrs) Sunita Garg, Editor or to Mrs Parmod Singla,

Associate Editor, Periodicals Division, National Institute of Science Communication and Information

Resources (NISCAIR), CSIR, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg (Inside Pusa Campus). New Delhi-110012;

Phone: (091)-11-25846001, (091)-11-25846304-07, Ext.258, 255. Fax: (091)-11-2584 7062. E-mail:

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Natural Products and Resources Repository ... - CSIR-NISCAIR

Documents

Transcript of Natural Products and Resources Repository ... - CSIR-NISCAIR